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CMHS graduates 233 seniors

EMILY WRIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS A student is presented their diploma at Central Mountain High School’s graduation.

Thursday evening’s graduation ceremony at Central Mountain High School marked the 24th Annual Commencement. The ceremony saw a turnout large enough to pack Don Malinak Stadium’s entire “home” side, with overflow standing at the bottom of the bleachers. In total, there were 233 graduates in the senior class of 2023.

The ceremony opened with an outstanding rendition of our National Anthem performed by the CMHS band, then followed by Class President Kelsey Burrows’ welcome statement:

“For those of you in the bleachers who do not know me, my name is Kelsey Burrows. And for my fellow graduates who also do not know me, hello, we went to high school together.”

Burrows thanked staff, family, and friends for attending the celebration on behalf of the Class of 2023, also adding wit and charm to her remarks.

She reflected on her older sister’s graduation from Penn State University; how the roles would be switched in just a few weeks when she would accept her diploma as a CMHS graduate, and how fast time passes from freshman year to graduating senior.

EMILY WRIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The bleachers were packed with family and loved ones.

“It was a surreal realization to say the least, understanding that a huge chapter of my life was coming to a close and I would soon be leaving so many people that I’d spent the last four years with. It was an even scarier realization when I remembered I was giving a speech and I hadn’t even started writing it yet,” she said.

Burrows praised the resilience of her graduating class throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, “Every year of our high school career has been impacted by COVID-19, and we still managed to have a great four years. We experienced school and athletic events in stuffy face masks, remote learning while being quarantined and tried to listen to Zoom classes on the absolute bricks that we call Chromebooks.”

Burrows thanked CMHS staff members for their encouragement and support during her high school career, mentioning a handful in particular:

“I would like to thank every teacher that not only challenged our minds, but also pushed us to be the best versions of ourselves. Mr. Cooper made each and every day fun while also making it clear that chemistry class was actually nothing like [the show] ‘Breaking Bad.’ Mr. Kramer taught us to always stay positive when even the unit circle was making our heads spin. Mrs. Temple kept our heads on straight when the first signs of senioritis started to kick in. Mrs. Bidwell showed us how to truly be kind to the ones that needed it the most. And though I never had him in class, I’d like to shout out Mr. Boyd, because, you know, he’s my uncle.”

“I would also like to thank those who we didn’t see every day, but were always working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything was running smoothly. Mr. Raleigh, Ms. Klein, Ms. Cope, Ms. Dana, and Ms. Geralds, you did everything you could to set us up for success in high school and as we take this next step in our lives,” she added.

EMILY WRIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Central Mountain High School graduates are addressed by CMHS Principal Nick Verrelli.

Nearing her conclusion, Burrows mentioned that her older sister also served as class president at CMHS, meaning that a Burrows family member has held the office position since 2015.

Following Burrows’ welcome address, CM graduate Eric Farrall played a musical performance titled, ‘Someday I’ll Find My Way Home.’ Farrall’s performance was accompanied by piano, which he seemed to play effortlessly for the crowd packed into the stadium’s bleachers.

Julia Schubach, valedictorian for the class of 2023, delivered the farewell address.

“You know, you would think as a valedictorian you would get some sort of glamorous perk or reward for all of the hard work, but instead, here I am with yet another homework assignment, except this time it is a five-minute speech in front of thousands of people,” she quipped.

“For weeks I have wondered what I would say, but I have found myself at a lack of words,” she said. “So rather than talking, I would like to take a moment to reflect on our journey, utilizing one minute for each of the four years we have spent at this school until I hit the five-minute time limit I was given. Looks like we have about four and a half minutes left. Just kidding, that would have made things awkward for everyone,”

Schubach spoke about procrastination, emphasizing that “procrastination only provides temporary relief.”

“During the process of writing this speech, I have been reminded of how starting can often be the hardest part of any endeavor, whether that is beginning an assignment, starting to exercise, or just tackling household chores. Simply motivating yourself to take that initial step is a stride in the right direction,” she said.

She went on to say that even when feelings of overwhelm develop, the best thing to do is to start moving in a direction.

“Procrastination is a word we’ve all become far too familiar with over the past four years. Whether we mindlessly scrolled through TikTok or indulged in Netflix binges to avoid facing our responsibilities, we have all lost the battle to procrastination at least once. From finishing the rough draft of a speech one day before graduation to cramming for exams the night before, procrastination has been a constant for me. It’s taught us the thrill of the adrenaline rush or the delight we take in making our parents and teachers stress. Somehow it works. If you want to master how to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, don’t underestimate the power of procrastination,” she said.

“As you embark on the next stage of your life, remember that procrastination only offers temporary relief and is not a sustainable way of working. Learn how to find a balance between taking action and delaying,” she said.

Schubach encouraged her classmates, telling them not to be afraid to say “yes” when opportunity presents itself, regardless of whether it is within their comfort zone.

“Take your shot without hesitation if it is something you truly desire. However, it is crucial to recognize that you must say ‘no’ as well in order to say yes. Before we can commit to any one opportunity, it is important to assess our own limits and ensure it aligns with what we want to become, whether that is as an individual or in our careers. Saying ‘no’ doesn’t mean we’re turning our backs on opportunities. It means we’re being selective and seeking out opportunities that best match our goals and values,” she said.

Schubach concluded her address with the same humorous tone with which she had begun it:

“Before I conclude, I have a confession I must make. The big fancy title I was given, valedictorian, well, I can’t spell it. Every time I’ve tried to write it, spellcheck has had to come to my rescue to fix it. This just goes to show that you don’t need to have perfect spelling or be flawless to achieve your goals. What truly matters is having the drive and determination to get there. Class of 2023, congratulations.”

Another musical selection was provided by graduate Christopher Corbin, who sang ‘My Way’ by Jacques Revaux. During his senior year at CMHS, Corbin made himself known to the school board and the community by attending multiple school board meetings to advocate for change in the high school, specifically in regard to school safety and security. He performed with confidence, facing his pupils but also glancing back toward the audience at times.

Salutatorian Abbey Wolfe took to the pulpit to provide the farewell address, reflecting on how quickly life passes us by, “If there is one certainty I have learned in my 12 years of procrastination, it is that time will always pass. As high school seniors, we have our whole lives ahead of us. However, the only other certainty in life is that all of our lives will end. It may be 70 years from now, or it may be tomorrow, but the end will come.”

Wolfe encouraged her classmates to enjoy life, and recognize that it is a journey:

“Most of us graduates are around 18 years old. Assuming that we all live to the average age of 76, we have already lived 24% of our lives, almost a quarter. 76 years is roughly 27,000 days, and an 18-year-old has lived 6,570 of them. Each second adds to our collection of life lived, and we can never get a day back. I know you have all had people tell you to make the most of those days by working hard and chasing your dreams. That is great advice, but I also want to remind you that life is not always so serious. We are here to enjoy living for the brief period of time that we are able to.

“While you focus on achieving your goals in the future, never let your perspective get so narrow that you forget to appreciate the present. The journey itself is the reward. And as I said, don’t take yourself so seriously. Life is better when you’re laughing.”

She offered a bit of advice in terms of life after graduation, “Remember that your job is not your entire life. Do not sit passively each week, waiting for Friday as the finite days of your life slip away. Don’t sacrifice your happiness, well-being or relationships in the pursuit of money, status or material things. Instead, pursue a full life. Seek to learn and soak in as much of life as you can.”

In conclusion, Wolfe said, “Class of 2023, we are about to go our separate ways and begin a new chapter of our lives. No matter which path you may choose, my only hope is that you will enjoy the ride.”

Superintendent Dr. Jacquelyn Martin provided her statements, first thanking members of the school board, “I’d like to acknowledge our elected school board members who selflessly give their time to promote public education. The members who are joining us this evening include Tracy Smith, Elizabeth Lynch, Jeff Johnson, James “Butch” Knauff and Rick Schultz. Thank you.”

Martin continued, acknowledging the accomplishments of the class of 2023, “Tonight is about celebrating the graduation milestone of these remarkable students, many of whom have overcome personal obstacles and extreme challenges to pursue their career aspirations. This remarkable class of accomplished students has accumulated over $105,000 in awards and scholarships. Over 75% of this class will be continuing their education beyond high school, 50% of you at four-year institutions and 25% of you in two-year programs.”

Martin further acknowledged members of the class who have committed to join the military after graduation, along with current or former members of the U.S. military present in the audience.

“The remaining members of the class will be entering directly into the workforce or joining the United States military. At this time, I would like to ask that all of those in attendance who are veterans and current members of the military to please stand. I would like to now ask the following students who have made the brave decision to join the United States military to also stand as I call your name.”

Those students are:

Cameron Kline — United States Army

Arthur McGuire — United States Air Force

Jacob Weaver — United States Army

Dr. Martin expressed her gratitude for their commitments, stating, “I wish to provide a special acknowledgement to you for your selfless commitment to be part of a team that helps protect the freedoms of the people of this country. Our district thanks you and all those who have served in the armed forces. Godspeed.”

In conclusion, Dr. Martin provided words of encouragement to all CMHS graduates, “I’m confident that we have prepared you for your future, which means that as a graduate of Central Mountain High School, our mission for you is complete. Now it’s time for you to set new goals for yourself. I encourage you to think big and imagine yourself in five years, ten years and beyond. Picture yourself, make that person your newest hero, your own role model, and then strive to do everything you can to become your own hero. Class of 2023, you have made us all Central Mountain proud in the classroom, on the stage, playing fields, courts, shooting ranges, the gymnasium and throughout the greater community. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations to each of the graduates and the alumni who have been making us proud. Thank you.”

Class Counselor Christine Koch provided the roll call for the graduating class, while members of the administration and school board presented each graduate with their diploma.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the class of 2023 by CMHS Principal Nick Verrelli and Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin:

“By the power vested in me as a commissioned officer of the Commonwealth, I declare that these students have successfully completed the requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Keystone Central School District Board of Directors. These students are now considered high school graduates and alumni of Central Mountain High School. Graduates, you may now move your tassels from right to left. Congratulations.”

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