HEGINS - Tri-Valley High School's 65 graduates were prompted to embrace their valley's hometown appeal during the 59th commencement.
Keynote speaker Chuck Fultz, Valedictorian Brittany S. Smeltz and Salutatorian Jonathan W. Snyder prepared their speeches autonomously, however they all shared a common theme: the value and appreciation of small town living.
Family and friends filled Bulldog Stadium on Friday to watch their loved ones receive their diplomas amid a backdrop of sunlit skies and green fields.
As salutatorian and class co-president, Snyder welcomed graduates and guests. He noted one of the greatest attributes about his class was how well they all knew each other. He disagreed with those who may think Tri-Valley students could have done better academically or athletically, if they had attended a larger district. He thanked the district's staff, family and the community present at the ceremony for their support.
"I have no doubt we have been well prepared for the future," he said. Snyder said it was the small school experiences that made the time spent there enjoyable, adding, "The football and soccer teams are like family to me. My classmates are like family to me."
Jonathan, 18, is a son of Michael and Kelly Snyder, Pitman. He will be attending Lebanon Valley College to pursue a degree in biochemistry/pre-med.
Superintendent Mark D. Snyder introduced Fultz, a 1982 Penn State University graduate.
Fultz, branch manager of Gratz Bank in Valley View and president of the Hegins-Valley View Rotary Club, said he was surprised when Tri-Valley asked him to deliver the commencement address. Smeltz invited him at a Rotary dinner because she said the class officers wanted to pick someone who knew them well.
Fultz said because the students were becoming graduates of Tri-Valley High School, he did have a good idea of who they were and how they came to this moment, even though he might not have known each of them individually.
He said graduates may not even realize the extent of the effect family, teachers and the community have had on them. Although he is what the Pennsylvania Dutch would call an "auslander," or outsider, Fultz said he could see how well-prepared Tri-Valley graduates had been for the next step in their life. He told the class to remember where they came from, how they got to this moment and to be proud of who they are.
"Whether you stay in the valley or leave, there are the thoughts and prayers and positive influences of many people going with you," he said.
Fultz encouraged graduates to take to heart words of wisdom, including the saying "When one door closes, another door opens."
"Here's the part many people forget: to truly get the full enjoyment of whatever that second door is ... you have to step thru that doorway. You have to take the step," he said. " ... So when that doorway of opportunity opens for you, remember: Don't stay at rest. Take a chance. Take a leap of faith. Go off the beaten path. Take the step."
Class Co-President Smeltz, meanwhile, compared the experiences in a larger city to those at home.
"As I reflect back on my years at Tri-Valley and being raised in this small community, I can't help but think about the lessons learned from the Wizard of Oz. Perhaps, there is no place like home," she said.
"Large school districts can educate their students with unlimited funding, and high-tech computer labs; but what they don't have is our environmental site and our incredible FFA program, with inspirational teachers like Mrs. (Gretchen) Dingman who reminds her students to embrace agriculture," Smeltz said.
She praised her fellow classmates for achieving academic successes; athletes for postponing surgeries because they didn't want to let their team down; and the care shown to those who have lost loved ones or have faced life-ending diseases.
"Our hearts broke for our classmate, Abigail Mattis, when she lost her father earlier this year, almost our entire class attended his service. We do these things because we truly care about one another. ... Let us remember our classmate Ashley Blackiston who taught us the real meaning of courage as she battled cystic fibrosis. She reminded us to live each and every day to the fullest. Though she is gone, her will, courage and strength will never be forgotten," she said.
Smeltz encouraged classmates to stay true to who they are and to realize that Tri-Valley has taught them wisdom, compassion and courage.
"Always remember, because we attended Tri-Valley High School each and every one of us has the brains, heart and courage to be successful in life," she said.
Brittany, 18, is a daughter of Troy and Susan Smeltz, Hegins. She will be attending West Chester University to pursue a degree in marketing.
High School Principal Charles W. Hall read the class roll, as school board directors Daniel W. Wagner and Jerry R. Beaver, and Assistant High School Principal Robert L. Felty, Jr. distributed diplomas.
Others offering their talents during the program were graduates Elizabeth Smallwood and Cory Leitzel who joined for a guitar and vocal duet and the Tri-Valley Wind Ensemble.
Class Secretaries Haley A. Schwalm and Jordan N. Schwalm directed their fellow graduates in turning their tassels.