BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Graduating seniors from Hughesville High School march onto the stadium field for the 124th annual commencement ceremony on Friday night, June 2, 2017.

HUGHESVILLE – The East Lycoming School District celebrated its 124th annual commencement ceremonies on Friday night, June 2 in the outdoor stadium. One hundred and seventeen seniors took the stage and received their diplomas from school board president, Richard L. Michael assisted by Michele Beck, Class Advisor.

The weather held out nicely with no rain in forecast for the event which started at 7 p.m. with a message of encouragement from School Superintendent, Michael Pawlik. “The kids of today are different than they were 30 years ago,” he said. “They are more articulate, focused and socially conscious,” he announced.

Class President, John Merrifield addressed his classmates in a positive way. “Impact lives around you,” he said, “with a smile or thank you…in the journey of life.” He gave much credit to the work ethics and passion he gained from the teachers.

Salutatorian, Landon Henry gave a speech of confidence that reflected on his six years of memories at East Lycoming. “I learned to deal with adversity when the games were removed from our I-pads,” he said with amusement. “Challenge yourself and live this life for the passion you love,” he told his fellow comrades.

Valedictorian Elise Sherman also spoke of her earliest memories from kindergarten when one of her classmates got her head stuck in the gazebo to her senior year that built courage and overcame the intimidation of change. “New faces, new peers and new professors will be replaced,” she said. “It is time to move on to the next step. The years at Hughesville High School helped us become pros.” From navigating those long hallways as an elementary student to becoming a senior, Sherman spoke of daunting projects, cheering and sports, and the many events that gave “courage amidst here.”

BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Hughesville High School seniors Keely Krause, Breanna Snyder and Danielle Holmes assist each other with their caps and tossels in the high school lobby before entering the graduation procession to the outside stadium.

She concluded with a quote from Ella Fitzgerald, ” It is never too late or too early to be what you want to be. Have the courage to forget, forgive and work hard.”

The ceremony ended with a yearbook dedication to Jade Schaffer.

BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Class president, John Merrifield spoke to his classmates during graduation on Friday night about the support and work ethics he gained from his teachers at Hughesville High School.