Olivia Renkel and Nicole Dgien sang the Star Spangled Banner during opening ceremonies at Muncy's graduation on Friday night, June 7, 2013.

MUNCY – The rain stopped just in time for Muncy High School to hold their graduation outdoors on the front lawn as originally planned. It has always been a tradition to decorate the graduating year with yellow marigolds, and adorn the walkway with seasonal flower baskets as the students march in procession to the stage to accept their diplomas. This was the 133rd commencement at Muncy High School with 67 seniors graduating, 23 with honors.

Before introducing the two highest honors, Selin Saka, who will be attending Penn State University in the fall, spoke to her fellow classmates. “We will be stepping further and further from Muncy soil, but many of us will not forget our foundation here.”

An inspirational reading from Rebecca Smith preceded a reading from their class poem, “Time to Move” by Olivia Renkel. She quoted, “We are forceful flowers blooming our way to greatness,” and added, “Muncy High School truly is where our roots began… Tomorrow is the beginning of a new chapter.”

Salutatorian, Mariah Churprinski presented a moving speech and spoke of her dreams and rewards. She referred to their class song “Daylight” by Maroon 5, and gave an emotional message to hold each other close in the daylight. “We are on our own… to go forth in the world, but not unaided from our historical roots.”

Before the bestowal of diplomas, Valedictorian, Charity Good told a story about Olympian Gold medal winner, Gabby Douglas, and how she achieved her goals and left a legacy behind. She spoke of life’s goals. Charity also reflected on Emerson’s poem, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” “Start your own trail,” she said, “and follow your own calling.”

Nathan Hall, a soldier with the Air Force based in Utah, came home and surprised his sister, Rebecca Hall, as she came on stage to accept her diploma from Muncy School Board President, Tom Gardner.

A highlight of the evening occurred when Nathan Hall, a soldier with the Air Force based in Utah, came home and surprised his sister, Rebecca Hall, as she came on stage to accept her diploma from School Board President, Tom Gardner. He said he arrived exactly at 6:58 p.m. The two hugged each other tightly for several moments, then Nathan proudly escorted Rebecca down the platform.

The ceremony ended with the “Alma Mater” and a concluding congratulations by principal Tim Welliver before Superintendent Dr. Portia Brandt introduced the class of 2013 to a welcoming and cheering crowd.

Salutatorian, Mariah Chuprinski, gave an emotional speech from the class song, "Daylight" during graduation at Muncy High School.