MAHANOY CITY - It's been a "remarkable journey" for the Mahanoy Area Class of 2014, according to valedictorian Gregory Merchlinsky, with that journey to continue beyond the school walls into the outside world.
The high school gymnasium was filled on Tuesday as the 75 members of the senior class received their diplomas, in many cases eagerly being recorded by family members and friends using digital cameras, camcorders and cellphones as speeches were read, awards were presented and pride was exhibited by many.
During commencement, there was a heavy rain that could be heard on the roof, but what it left was a double rainbow that some could interpret as an omen of good things to come for the graduating class.
After the procession of graduates, faculty and administration into the gym to music from the varsity band, everyone was welcomed by class Vice President Merchlinsky.
The Mahanoy Area High School Chorus performed, followed by the introduction of the student speakers by district Superintendent Joie L. Green.
Merchlinsky spoke first, thanking his parents, grandmother, brother, teachers and peers who encouraged him to do his best.
"The purpose of tonight is toe commend and congratulate each and every one of the students sitting before you for their efforts and accomplishments," Merchlinsky said. "These students have put their heart and soul into their classwork, extracurricular activities and anything related to Mahanoy Area. We may seem as if we are ready for the next chapters of our lives, but we will truly miss the comfort and support of Mahanoy Area.
"Fellow classmates, we are here tonight to celebrate the remarkable journey which has shaped us into the fine individuals we have become," he continued. "We have come a long way. We have gone through preschool, elementary, middle school, and our beginning years of high school. We have had many positive, as well as negative, experiences and have overcome many obstacles which have molded us into young adults that are ready to take on the challenges of life outside of Mahanoy Area. We are no longer sheltered by the serenity this school has to offer because we will all be entering the real world in a few months. I believe that each and every one of us is prepared to move on to the next chapter in our lives."
Merchlinsky spoke of "Bear Pride," a name that was created by Louis Pompeii, a Mahanoy Area graduate. Pompeii moved to Glendora, Calif., where he served as a police officer. During his off-duty hours, Pompeii was shot and killed trying to stop a robbery at a supermarket.
"Louie left a permanent stamp on this school that will never fade away for his heroic actions. What he did was set the perfect example of what Bear Pride really stands for," Merchlinsky said. "He wanted people to know that the two words may be small, but they carry a much larger meaning."
Merchlinsky also spoke of Bear Pride as it pertains to retired boys basketball coach Mark "Mickey" Holland, who was honored as the 2014 Alumnus of the Year. Holland was a member of the Mahanoy Area Class of 1967.
Salutatorian Tyler Cavenas said the Class of 2014 is "extremely special," and a major reason for that is the influence of the people in the communities that make up the school district.
"Citizens of this small town are some of the most caring, helpful and compassionate people I have had the opportunity to meet," Cavenas said. "Neighbors are always helping neighbors and generations come together to make this town a very unique place to live. I reflect on the Mahanoy City sesquiecentennial when we were abuzz with thousands of people. People were sitting on porches sharing food, laughter and stories about the history of this town. They had pride and a sense of belonging."
Cavenas said that once the graduates leave as a class for the last time, all the school years will be memories that will make everyone miss these days.
"Our paths will take us to many new and exciting places," he said. "Some will walk the hall of a college campus, others will pursue a career, while still others will defend our country in various towns throughout the world. Wherever your future path leads, take with you the welcoming spirit and compassion you have acquired from spending part of your childhood in this amazing coal region town. Embrace each person you meet and forge ahead making new memories and friendship. Share with that new community your copious talents and you will certainly make an impact on this world. You are truly an amazing class and I was blessed and honored to be a part of it. But to those who leave Mahanoy, please at least believe this: 'You will miss it. How you will miss it!' "
Green introduced Holland and spoke of his academic and sports background at Mahanoy Area. Holland retired this year after 33 years as Golden Bears coach with 614 wins and 243 losses, which is a .716 winning percentage. Holland also was a teacher for 36 years, retiring in 2007.
One main piece of advice from Holland was for the graduates to choose a career they will enjoy.
"One of the things I want to say is that in choosing a vocation, find something that you love," he said. "There's the story that if you love what you're doing, then it's never like going to work at all. There is some truth in that. If you love what you do, you're going to do a fantastic job. If you love what you want, you won't mind going that extra mile. If you love what you're doing, you will not only help the person you're working for and your own family, you'll be contributing so much more to the world."
Holland received applause several times during his speech, including the last bit of advice he gave to the graduates.
"The last thing I'd like to say, and this is most important. If you've ignored all that I have said tonight, please listen to this: Don't forget God," said Holland, leading to applause throughout the room. "The greatest gift you can give yourselves is to open up and have a working relationship with God. I've had some problems in my life. I've made some big time mistakes. Years ago, I turned my life and my will over to God, and everything changed for the better. It wasn't like there were no more bad times. There were still good times and bad times. That's life. I was able to appreciate good times more, and I was able to deal with the bad times better. Like I said, it's the greatest gift you can give yourselves. Don't forget."
Holland concluded his remarks by asking for something from the graduating class.
"I am so impressed with the Class of 2014," he said. "I have come to know so many of you, and there's a part of me that if you guys would let me consider myself a member of the Class of 2014, and nothing would make me prouder."
After a presentation to the staff by class member Christy Evancho, class President Erin Noon presented the mantle to Class of 2015 President Gabrielle Lorady. High school Principal Thomas Smith announced the awards and presented the class for graduation. School board President Thomas Bashinsky presented the diplomas.
Class treasurer Ruby Rodgers offered the invocation, and class secretary Joshua Baker gave the benediction.