Pequea Valley /townlively
MAY 27, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: HUMANE LEAGUE EXPANDS SERVICES page 6
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVI • NO 24
Class Act PVHS Celebrates 2020 Graduates By Ann Mead Ash
According to a letter sent to Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) seniors and parents in early May by principal John Trovato and assistant principal Amy Koberstein, the Class of 2020 entered the school four years ago with a “positive reputation,” and, during the time the learners attended, they “demonstrated that (their) reputation was deserved.” “Your resilience in the face of adversity, your empathy and kindness toward others, and your actions as leaders in this community have remained constant during your high school career,” the two wrote in the letter. “The events you have faced as a class this year have only seemed to strengthen your resolve and bring you
closer together.” The letter acknowledged that COVID-19 restrictions would make a traditional graduation ceremony for the 112 seniors on Thursday, May 28, impossible, but it also went on to detail how the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) plans to use traditional and virtual components to provide graduates, families, administrators, faculty, and community members with a unique graduation experience. In addition, the district is planning a “Celebration of the Class of 2020” event for Saturday, Aug. 1, if the area has entered the “green” category as per state authorities. Any community member who would like to help support this event may contact amy_koberstein@pequea valley.org. Virtual graduation day was held on May 22, with seniors receiving diplomas in a drive-through event.
Kolby Bills
Hope Fisher
Robert Murphy
Graduation speakers included Kolby Bills, Robert Murphy, and Hope Fisher. Kolby is the son of Larry and Ginger Bills of Paradise. The title of his speech is “Inspire and Be Brave.” In his speech, he urged the other members of the PVHS Class of 2020 not to let fear hold them back. “Be brave enough to take a
new path. Step out of your comfort zone and reach for your dreams. Leave a legacy that will inspire those around you to live up to the dream that you’ve set as a reality,” he shared. In the fall, Kolby will attend Cairn University in Langhorne to study political science and criminal justice.
Robert is the son of Timothy and Stacie Murphy of Paradise. His speech, called “Perseverance as a Tool for Success,” explored the road ahead for his fellow class members. “Life is like one big marathon. In order to be successful, you have to pace yourself,” Robert told them via the video. In the See PVHS pg 9
MHALC Offers Mental Health Support
By Ann Mead Ash
A lot has been said lately about the importance of physical health as it pertains to the novel coronavirus. However, as people stay confined to their homes or report to jobs where they might be putting themselves at risk of illness, mental health must not be forgotten. “It is just as important to take protective action and precautions for your mental health as you would for your physical health. One cannot exist without the other,” advised Kim McDevitt, executive director of Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC). Mental Health America of Lancaster County leaders, including “COVID-19 has changed the way (from left) president Tracey Lavallias, executive director Kim we think about things. Where we McDevitt, and vice president Julie Weaver, have worked had safety, we have insecurities.
together to ensure their organization is prepared to offer
See MHALC pg 4 increased mental health support.
Not just in your mailbox...
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
More than 10 years ago, Stephanie Paige Cole, founder of Sweet Pea Project, an organization that offers comfort and support to families that have experienced the death of a baby, and her board members began holding a Sisters and Brothers Picnic for children who had a sibling who was lost during pregnancy or infancy. This year’s event was to be held on Saturday, June 6, at Dutch Wonderland. When the picnic was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, Cole wanted to re-create a part of the picnic in time for Mother’s Day, which was held on May 10. A special part of the picnic is a chance to visit an area inside Dutch Wonderland that has been
Sweet Pea Project, an organization that offers comfort and support to families that have experienced the death of a baby, has created a virtual flower garden that mothers and other family members may use to honor the child they lost. Although the virtual garden was created for Mother’s Day, it will be available into the future for those who would like to dedicate a See Sweet Pea pg 3 flower to their child.
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By Dayna M. Reidenouer
Sweet Pea Plants Virtual Garden
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