Hempfield
townlively.com
JUNE 2, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXVII • NO 9
A Special Award For A Stellar Student’s Contributions BY COURTNEY MENGEL
Sincerely, The Class Of 2021 n June 1, the Hempfield High School (HHS) Class of 2021 was honored for its educational achievement at the HHS commencement ceremony. The event took place at the high school’s Georgelis Law Firm Stadium, 340 Mumma Drive, Landisville. Approximately 525 students graduated from HHS. This year’s valedictorian is the president of the senior class, Mili Ramani. The other nine of the Class of 2021’s top 10 students were also recognized: Anne Akbar, Melissa Caracciolo, Regan Gillisse, Lilly Heilshorn, Colin Meldrum, Dillon Otto, Bridget Reheard, Claudia Schmitz, and Lily Wernoch.
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Two weeks prior to the commencement ceremony, Ramani and vice president Markella Vassil reflected on their time at HHS with the Merchandiser. M e r c h a n d i s e r : How did your senior year go? R a m a n i : For the first threequarters of the school year, I was virtual. I had a sort of disconnect, which was difficult, but when I went back, I realized how much I missed being there in person. I was able to focus more once I was actively engaging in the classroom. It was really nice coming back to see everyone. V a s s i l : I’ve been in person all year. I would say my favorite part was getting to come to school on
the first day because we went so long without seeing our classmates, our friends, even our teachers. It was a very memorable part of the year. Merchandiser: Is there anything you want to tell the Class of 2021? Ramani: This year has been weird and difficult to say the least, but I’m so proud of everyone for pushing through it and finishing high school. It’s a big milestone, probably one of the first ones we reach, and I’m glad that we were able to get there together. Vassil : There has been so much uncertainty this year, but our class has done a great job handling everything. M e r c h a n d i s e r : What will you miss most about high school?
Except for 2020, every year since 1994, Water Street Mission (WSM) has hosted a Drive Away Hunger Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament will occur on Friday, June 18, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Meadia Heights Golf Club, 402 Golf Road, Lancaster. Supporting the general ongoing financial needs of caring for those experiencing homelessness in Lancaster County, WSM’s annual golf tournament invites local business professionals to enjoy a round of golf at a private club. After the match, participants will enjoy a catered meal with other players.
See Graduation pg 10
See Golf Tournament pg 5
Golf With A Purpose BY COURTNEY MENGEL
Hannah Johnson
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2021 Local And Nearby Fair Schedule . . . . . . . . . .3 Ministry To Host First Blood Drive . . . . . . . .4 Artist To Show Acrylic Paintings . . . . . . . .6 Camp GOTR Scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Business Directory . . . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 House Of Worship . . . . . .12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .12
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BY COURTNEY MENGEL
See Condon Medal pg 7
400 Long Lane At Marticville Road (Rts. 741 & 324S) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster
R072080
Hempfield High School senior class officers (from left) Jacob Walker, Mili Ramani, Lilly Heilshorn, Markella Vassil, and (not pictured) Lorisa Shaffer
This past May, Hempfield High School (HHS) alumna Hannah Johnson was awarded Colby College’s 2021 Condon Medal. The Condon Medal honors a senior at Colby who exhibits the finest qualities of citizenship and has made the most significant contribution to the development of life at Colby. Established in 1920, the Condon Medal was made possible through the gift from Randall J. Condon, a member of Colby’s Class of 1886. According to Johnson, the Condon Medal represents fully investing in the Colby community, which meant dedicating most of her time at Colby to helping students feel like they belong. “I struggled finding my stride at this school at first, and it was truly the people around me who helped me find my authentic self here,” stated Johnson. For many years, Johnson’s family has rented a lakefront house near Colby, located in Maine. When she
attended HHS, Johnson ran crosscountry and needed to train over the summer. Johnson’s mother would drive her to Colby’s campus where she would run throughout the neighborhoods. When it came time for Johnson to apply to colleges, she applied to Colby on a whim and was accepted.