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SVRCS graduates 30 at 24th SVRCS Commencement Ceremonies

LOGANTON -- The seats of the gymnatorium at the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School began to fill up shortly after 6:30 p.m. during the 24th Commencement Ceremony in Loganton.

On Monday evening 30 seniors prepared to march the steps they had been waiting to take for the past 13 years.

As 7 p.m. approached, the lights dimmed and the concert band struck up the familiar "Pomp and Circumstance," the crowd instinctually rose to their feet, as one by one the graduates walked purposefully from the back of the gym and through the center aisle passing loved ones and community members, all smiling, all visibly proud.

Before long the stage was filled with a field of dark, beautiful, Sugar Valley Green.

The Sugar Valley Chorus sang the National Anthem while the audience stood, hands on hearts, lumps in throats.

After a welcome from SVRCS Senior Advisor Jason Pletcher, SVRCS CEO Tracie Kennedy greeted the crowd by reminding them that not one person is responsible for a child's success, it is a collective effort of family, teachers and community.

"Every one of you here this evening has made an incredible impact on the graduates who sit here today," she said. "It is often said that it takes a village to raise children. I am a true believer of that statement and am thankful for the village sitting here today."

"Diane Lane stated, 'All the lessons are in nature. You look at the way rocks are formed. The wind and the water hitting them shaping them. Making them what they are,'" quoted Mrs. Kennedy. "Things take time, you know."

"I say such is life. The child's development begins to shape and form with the parents," she said looking across the first few rows of faces, mostly parents and relatives of the graduates.

Kennedy spoke of the struggles the graduates will face, but noted they'll persevere.

"They will encounter the struggles of independence and adulthood. But as we all know those future problems and worries will eventually work themselves out. Ultimately experiencing those life lessons, whether good or bad, provides them with the knowledge to make the choices that will lead them to become successful future adults in our society," Kennedy said.

She concluded her speech with a quote from Ella Rossevelt: "'In the long run we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.'"

The SVRCS 2024 Valedictorian, Gavin Morris, focused on time.

"Too often, when these speeches are made, and our caps are thrown into the air, we lament what is ending around us. We feel it is time to let go of this chapter of our lives and wander through the next experiences that might challenge our understanding of what we know," Morris said.

He noted graduation didn't just mean an ending, but a beginning.

"But, if we open our minds and let the actions of the world become a part of our thoughts, a clearer observation becomes apparent -- too many things seem to be ending, but something is beginning," he continued.

Morris touched on the loss of a classmate, who passed away in 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.

"There should be an extra graduation cap adorned with images of beautiful flowers, tiaras and horses and a diploma that reads 'Tiarra Rachau,' whom we lost too soon, not too long ago," he said. "I stand here in solidarity with her. I also stand in solidarity with the parents, children, loved ones, friends, colleagues and classmates whose lives we must honor and live by example."

Morris also touched on his own recent experiences, having missed 102 days of school due to a sudden diagnosis with acute heart failure. He spent almost four months in Philadelphia at CHOP before having an LVAD heart pump inserted.

"In early January, I could not have imagined I would be in a different place throughout much of my final school year than here in north-central Pennsylvania," he explained. "I went to the doctor, not knowing that would be the last time I would set foot in this town for 102 days. I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and was in a state of heart failure."

Morris thanked the many doctors, nurses and medical professionals that kept his heart beating and gave him more time.

He went on to thank those who inspired and encouraged him over the years.

"Some of you in this room have impacted my life in so many great ways despite the onset of these heart problems. Many of the teachers at this school deserve all the credit they can get for what they give and sacrifice for the children and young adults of this area," he continued.

He mentioned teachers and admin of SVRCS, amongst them, Allyson Cameron, Jamie Fox, Arleen Parker, Jason Pletcher and Brian Stugart and Broc Phillips. In particular he gave kudos to his English teacher, Jodie Walizer.

You have been one of the greatest people ever in my life. You have given me knowledge, compassion, wisdom, love, hope and a sense of community that will stay in my soul and remain in my memory forever," he said as he looked directly at his mentor. "You have taught me leadership, character and what it means to hope. To know how that flickering spark seemingly in the distance was the light inside ourselves the whole time."

Morris also thanked his parents and family for their support over the years.

Morris continued by giving gratitude to the people of his valley. "I also thank the community of Sugar Valley, which has provided me with a sense of peace and understanding during the difficult times I have faced. All the encouragement I've received has been beyond my own words."

"Standing here is a gift," he continued. "Even though it may feel like we may not yet have reached our glory, remember, the words of Frederick Douglas, 'if there is no struggle, there is no progress.'"

Gavin will attend Penn State University Main Campus this fall, majoring in Political Science.

Following Gavin, was SVRCS Salutatorian, Dakota Holdren, who spoke about her early days on the family farm, and how it inspired her to be determined, and to set goals.

"For as long as I can remember, I had a dream to be a vet," explained Dakota. "Growing up on my gram's farm, I grew close to animals."

Holdren credited rescuing a piglet at 10 years old as a crucial moment that helped set her eyes on becoming a vet, although that journey would have its ups and downs.

"My life changed a little when I got in middle school and high school," she stated. "I was unsure what I wanted to do with my life. I thought about being a teacher, but then started taking ag classes and that's when things changed again."

Through the guidance of teachers such as Chuck Bechdel and Robbie Weaver for helping her find her future career.

"I begged Mr. Bechdel to let me take the vet science class a year earlier than most students," Dakota recalled. "It was a natural fit for me, and I wanted to learn every day."

Holdren also credited teachers such as Jamie Fox and Kim Bohartz for their support.

"Not only did these ag teachers influence my choice for my future plans, they supported my endeavors in the future," she said.

Holdren also credits her parents for encouraging her to stay on task and study, thus giving her a sturdy foundation for fulfilling her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

She looked towards the front of the gym where her family sat smiling.

"I believe it is a miracle that I'm standing here today as a Salutatorian, I'm forever grateful for having my parents push me to keep my grades up and never let me get behind," she said.

Dakota will attend Delaware Valley University this fall majoring in Animal Science Pre-Professional.

She wrapped up her speech also focusing on time: "I know I say high school is stupid, and I'm ready for it to be over, but now that our time has ended, I know I am going to miss it. High school has prepared me for the future and has shaped me into the person I am today."

The commencement finished with an awards ceremony and presentation of the diplomas, and as the seniors moved their tassels from one side to the other, another school year ended at the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School.