MONTGOMERY – The Montgomery class of 2017 held their 113th annual commencement exercises on Friday night, 7 p.m. in the Montgomery Area Athletic and Community Center. Superintendent Daphne Bowers announced, “Today they are the class of 2017. Tomorrow they will be faced with new adventures and new challenges.”

The remarkable small community is what makes Montgomery great. The theme this year “Our Rise as One” is what makes Montgomery culture pride. “We care about each other,” Bowers added.

Class President, Kaitlyn Bittenbender told her fellow classmates, “Every step forward together, we come closer to our goals.” In her speech Valedictorian Kelly Kratzer said with emotion, “We made it. This will be the last time we will all be gathered in one place…We are all capable of great things. Do not get discouraged if you need to change direction. Do not be afraid to walk away from any paths you do not need to go.” Kratzer gave much credit and support to her teachers, family and peers. “They had a great impact here on my life. Without the support from all of you, I would not be standing here today.”

Salutatorian Brooke Rupert who will be attending the main campus at Penn State in the fall reflected back on her four years at Montgomery High School. “Pause to think about what got you to this moment,” she told her classmates. “We’re not a normal class. We are something to be proud of. We know what we want, and we know how to get it,” she concluded. “We are the class with a plan. Don’t hold back.”

Fifty-four seniors received their diplomas which were presented by Michael “Tony” Wright, School Board President. Ronald L. Finck from the class of 1995 was the keynote speaker.