Education
Page 10
June 25-July 1, 2015
Penns Valley seniors graduate in outdoor cermemony By SAM STITZER pennsvalley@centrecountygazette.com
SPRING MILLS — Penns Valley High School held its annual commencement on June 12 at the school stadium. A large crowd of families and friends watched and cheered as 106 members of the class of 2015 received their diplomas during the district’s traditional graduation ceremony. The ceremony began with the class members processing onto the athletic field to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the high school band. Each member carried a carnation and placed it in a vase in memory of deceased class members Brandon Decker and Wesley Rishel. Senior class president Gino Nicosia spoke first, calling for applause for the parents of class members. He then noted that the class members were starting a new chapter in their lives. District superintendent Brian Griffith spoke next, congratulating the class of 2015. “As you move beyond your time here at Penns Valley, may the future be yours,” he said. Griffith then introduced members of the class of 1965 — it is a Penns Valley tradition to have the class of 50 years earlier in attendance at each graduation — and the president of the that class, Michael “Mick” Weyman. Weyman graduated from Mansfield University and had a career as a teacher in the Dallas School District in Luzerne County. “What I would like to do is make sure you realize this is all about you — all about the hard work you put in to it, all about your families and their pride in watching you walk across the stage,” said Weyman. “And — very importantly — thank every one of your teachers for preparing you for this day. Your futures are extremely bright, and the world is just waiting for you to do your thing.” Penns Valley High School principal Dustin Dalton then spoke. “Today you will look each other in the face, shake hands, give hugs and offer congratulatory remarks. Tomorrow you will embark on a new adventure — it’s called life,” he said. Dalton advised the graduates to have a high threshold of frustration, and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn.
CONTEST WINNERS
MEMBERS OF THE Penns Valley Class of 2015 toss their caps in the air to celebrate their graduation. “You will knock on doors that will not open, seek opportunities only to be turned away, interview only to be turned down, and try something new only to fail,” Dalton said. “It is through this frustration and disappointment that your true character will begin to grow.” Dalton quoted Thomas Edison, who said “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” “It was this kind of thinking that made Edison one of the greatest inventors of all time,” said Dalton. “Frustration and failure are a part of life. Use them as tools to better yourselves.” The class of 2015 had six valedictorians: Alyssa Rote, Katrina Heckman, Lucas Bitsko, Megan Duck, Maria Mc-
SAM STITZER/For the Gazette
Quaid and Nicosia, all with perfect 4.0 grade point averages. Each one offered their remarks to their class. Class members then received their diplomas from school board president Chris Houser as their names were called by Penns Valley teacher William Miles. Upon being declared graduates, the class erupted in a shower of Silly String, confetti and air horns. The ceremony concluded as the class recessed to the south side of the field for the traditional tossing of their graduation caps into the air in celebration. Family members and friends of the new graduates then poured onto the field for photos, hugs, handshakes and congratulations.
JOB FAIR
Submitted photo
FOURTH- AND FIFTH-GRADE students at St. John Catholic School in Bellefonte took part in this year’s Catholic Daughters National Education Art Poster Contest, sponsored locally by Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Reverend Patrick McArdle No. 448. Each child received a token of appreciation for participating and three winners received cash awards. Pictured, front row, from left, are Cecilia Stanton, first place; Madison Mindziak, second place; and Calvin Dechow, third place. Behind them is Father George Jakopac.
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PA CAREER LINK recently partnered with the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology to create CPI’s Spring Job Fair. Thirty local employers were on hand to meet with the approximately 160 job seekers who attended the fair. CPI students also were able to visit with employers. Margie Eby, PA Career Link administrator for Centre and Mifflin counties, described CPI as “an ideal venue for the job fair.”
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