“Life isn’t a race. It’s an experience” Hughesville High School graduates entered Harold L. Schaefer Memorial Stadium on Thursday night, June 2, for the 129th Commencement Ceremony.

Superintendent Michael Pawlik, who is retiring, gave his final commencement speech addressing to the class of 2022 “Life isn’t a race. It is an experience,” “If you spend all of your time running from place to place, you miss an incredible experience that life has in store.” “Make a difference in this world because you should and you can,” he said.

Valedictorian Morgan Poust spoke of times ahead — the good and bad — and urged her fellow graduates: “Don’t let them scare you” … but use them for motivation. She also encouraged graduates to “be yourself, do what you love.” “The right people and the right times will find you.”

Salutatorian Brennah Kennedy spoke of the realities of a planet experiencing war, mass shootings, school violence and lockdowns, she also turned her ire at overconsumption. Her hope is that individuals with conviction and strong willed people who want to “end suffering …end outdated practices.”

Nicholas Trevouledes, class president, talked about his experiences the the small town of Hughesville where everyone knows each other, and how it led to a pride, respect, and love for his alma mater. And, whatever path you (classmates) take, embrace their new environment along with their along their different journeys.