Time is almost suspended for the parents and grandparents as they play back the past 18 years in their minds, recalling that first day of kindergarten and letting go of their child’s hand as they walked into the school. They wonder how time has flown by so fast.

For the seniors waiting in the next room over, it hits different.

They are spending their last moments together, helping each other with makeup and caps, hugging and joking around in this very surreal moment they’ve waited 13 years to get to.

There’s excitement, a sense of accomplishment, the fear of what’s to come next and the realization that they are now adults.

AMBER MORRIS/FOR THE EXPRESS The 34 seniors at the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School turn their tassels from the right to the left at the school’s 26th commencement ceremony on Wednesday evening.

On Wednesday evening in Loganton, this whole scenario played out once again at the 26th commencement ceremonies of the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School, as 34 seniors made their way to the stage in front of a packed gymnatorium of their loved ones, peers and teachers.

As they each took their seats, the stage became a field of Sugar Valley green.

The school chorus performed “The Star Spangled Banner,” and after a welcome from SVRCS Senior Advisor Jason Pletcher, SVRCS CEO Tracie Kennedy addressed the students.

“Helen Keller once said ‘the world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.’ Standing here today in our town, those words carry a deep weight,” said Kennedy. “We do not come from a massive city of millions. We come from a place where everyone knows your name, your family and your character.”

“In a rural community you learn quickly that big impacts are made by the aggregate of small, honest efforts,” she continued. “We grew up in a place where neighbors show up when a storm hits, and our teachers didn’t just know our grades. They knew our stories.”

AMBER MORRIS/FOR THE EXPRESS Salutatorian, Jaelynn Walker will be attending Penn State University main campus this fall.

“We did not get to this stage alone,” she said, looking directly at the seniors. “We got here because our parents sacrificed, our teachers stayed late and our classmates carried us through the hardest days.”

“Our small size was never a limitation, it was our greatest superpower. Our school is a place that taught us how to truly fly,” she continued. “Today, we stand at the massive crossroads and our paths are about to look very different. It can be terrifying to face these sudden shifts. No matter which path you’re walking, tomorrow, your journey is a daring adventure.”

Kennedy ended her message by reminding the students of their strength now, and in the future.

“Remember, we are just not graduates. We are Phoenixes,” she stated. “The Phoenix is a symbol of transformation, resilience and rising to meet any challenge. Our time in this rural community has built a foundation of grit and hard work that ensures we will rise, no matter where we land. It’s time for the Phoenix to take flight.”

The 2026 Valedictorian, Sadie Martin, began her speech by congratulating her fellow classmates and thanking everyone who helped to get her to the podium.

“I am truly grateful for the bonds I have formed with the teachers here at Sugar Valley and for the many ways they have inspired me. Most importantly, I would not be where I am today without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” she said. “As I stand here today, I am reminded of all the hard work that brought us to this moment — not just my own, but the hard work of every person sitting before me. We have all accomplished things we are proud of, and each of us has a story worth celebrating.”

“For most of us, these hallways and classrooms have been our second home since kindergarten,” she said. “We walked through these doors as freshmen, very different from the people we are today.”

“Although high school was not always easy, I am grateful that I got to share this experience here at Sugar Valley,” she continued. “It is truly a place like no other. It’s hard to believe that the moments we are living right now will soon become memories that we look back on for years to come.”

Sadie then spoke to the rising seniors and younger students.

“To the underclassmen, and to anyone chasing a dream, I want to leave you with this — never let anyone tell you that your goals are unrealistic or impossible. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable,” she explained. “Growth happens when we embrace discomfort. Don’t let limits define your success. The only limits that define our future are the ones we refuse to challenge.”

“And just know that every day you wake up means He is not done with you yet. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, ‘Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’ No matter where life takes you, remember that God is still working in your life and your story is still being written,” she explained.

“To the Class of 2026, my advice is this: no matter where life takes you, don’t let time pass you by. Live with purpose. Live with passion. Whether your calling is to inspire, teach, serve, lead, create or something entirely your own, pursue it wholeheartedly. Most importantly, have fun. Venture out. Try new things.”

“Don’t waste your time wishing you had done something differently. Live fully in the moment, and wherever life takes you, remember to show kindness. Be a light in someone else’s life. Kindness costs nothing, yet its impact can last a lifetime.”

Sadie ended her speech with a little advice.

“As life takes you down unexpected roads, and it will, surround yourself with people who keep you grounded. Hold tightly to your faith, remember where you came from and don’t be afraid to see where life can take you.”

“Class of 2026, this is not the end of our story — it is only the beginning of a new chapter. I can’t wait to see all that each of you accomplishes in the years ahead. Congratulations!”

Sadie is the daughter of Don and Melissa Martin, of Loganton, and will be attending Lock Haven University, majoring in Business Administration and Marketing.

Following Sadie was SVRCS Salutatorian, Jaelynn Walker.

“It is both an incredible honor and bittersweet moment for me to be standing before you tonight as Salutatorian.”

“The real measure of our high school experience can’t be found on a transcript. It lives in the memories we made and bonds we have built. This school has been more than a place where we are taught, it’s been a place where we were known.”

“When you think back to your favorite high school memory, I doubt it’s a test score or report card,” said Jaelynn. “You probably go back to a time where you laughed so hard with your friends you almost cried. Or when your teachers kept pushing you forward even when you didn’t believe in yourself. Or the feeling of standing side by side with your teammates, cheering, competing and being a part of something bigger than yourself.”

“We have seen what real friendship looks like when it’s tested, and what real strength is when you have no choice but to keep going.”

“I would like to thank our families for standing alongside us with endless support and encouragement throughout these years,” she said as she looked at her own family in the front row. “And to our teachers — thank you for not just seeing us as students, but as human beings, thank you. You were not only our instructors, you were our mentors. You gave us space to grow as well as make mistakes to learn who we are,” she continued. “You were patient when we were difficult, and supportive even when we didn’t know how to ask for help.”

Jaelynn then touched on a subject close to her own heart.

“On a personal note, I want to especially thank all of my teachers who gave me grace throughout my sophomore year when I was struggling in terms of health. It means more to me than you’ll ever know, and I would not be standing up here today delivering my speech if it wasn’t for your support.”

“This school has made us a part of a tight-knit community. So many teachers and coaches have gone above and beyond for us, and I know without a doubt they will continue to have our backs long after we leave,” continued Jaelynn, touching on the importance of being part of a team. “I know sports aren’t for everyone, but if you are considering joining a club or a team, I highly encourage it. Sports have shaped me into the person I am today.”

“To my graduating class, we have definitely come a long way,” she said as she looked at the other 33 seniors. “Growing up with each other for the past 13 years is wild to think about, and it’s strange knowing we will not see each other next August,” she said. “I will definitely miss my fair share of friends, but even the people I did not interact with the most will hold their own place in my memories. I am so proud of everyone’s accomplishments, and how far you have come.”

Jaelynn then quoted the famous playwright George Bernard Shaw. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself,” she said. “I hope each and every one of you keep that in mind as you enter the next few years of growth.”

Jaelynn finished by talking about finality of a high school senior year by reminding everyone that there’s more life to live ahead.

“Since all of those moments just seemed like a part of our routine, it’s hard to believe that one of those days was our last. And as many ‘lasts’ that we had this year, such as our last first day of school, our last game, our last prom, I can proudly say this is my first graduation, and definitely not the last! Congrats to my fellow graduates of 2026 and I hope your futures are bright!”

Jaelynn is the daughter of Dena Bierly, and granddaughter of Gene and Lorma Weaver, all of Loganton. She will be attending Penn State University main campus in the fall, and will be majoring in Immunology and Infectious Disease.

The program finished with a second performance by the chorus singing “I Sing Because I’m Happy,” written by Civilla D. Martin, with piano accompaniment by Gina Miller, and was followed by an awards ceremony by SVRCS faculty member, William Deavor.

The crowd clapped and shouted as each senior’s name was called to receive their diplomas from Mrs. Kennedy, SVRCS Secondary Administrator, Brian Stugart, and SVRCS School Board Executive Director, Sandra Garverick.

As per graduation tradition, the 34 seniors then moved their tassels from the right to the left, officially becoming high school graduates, opening the door to the next chapter of their lives.

Fly Phoenix fly.