On Wednesday, June 3, over 420 members of the Class of 2026 received their diplomas as Penn Manor High School held commencement at Franklin & Marshall College.
A recording of the graduation is available on Penn Manor’s YouTube channel.
When introducing the Class of 2026, principal Doug Eby noted the many accomplishments of the graduates. Throughout the school year, Eby challenged students to be intentional about what they wanted to accomplish by finding their “It.”
Eighty students maintained a GPA of 4.0 or better and 82 students graduated with honors designation by maintaining a 3.75 GPA or above, complete three credits of a World Language with a ‘B’ or better, complete four A.P. credits, and have five Honors classes with a ‘B’ or higher.
Fourty-seven students completed 124 college courses this year. Five students in the senior class completed their first year of schooling at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Some other students completed college courses from Millersville University, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, and other local universities.
During the month of May, 147 seniors completed 270 advanced placement exams at Penn Manor.
Seven members of the Class of 2026 have entered or plan on entering the military, and 18 are graduating with Global Scholarship designations. About 65 percent of graduates are planning to attend a two- or four-year college or career training program, and 28 percent are headed for the workforce.
Ryan Brenneman received the perfect attendance award and IzEldeen Salem, class president, earned the Student of the Year award.
While addressing the audience, valedictorian Diana Idrees noted how each classmate will continue on their own journey, and although change can be scary, each person has the ability to dictate where they want to go in life.
“Each and every one of us has unique qualities that make us who we are, and while it may not seem like it sometimes, you will find people who truly treasure your character. Show your appreciation to those who supported you and were there for you every step of the way,” she said.
Seth Gansner who delivered the student farewell stated, “No word encapsulates that feeling better than bittersweet. And I want you all to take that feeling to your heart. Spread your wings, fly high, do greater and grander things until you’ve reached your ceiling, and then go even higher. But never forget the legs that supported you, the people who were there for you, and the experiences that shaped you into the person you are today. Because those memories and experiences are more than just events meant to be delegated to a scrapbook, they’re part of who you are.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on being the newest Penn Manor High School graduates! We wish you the best as you begin this new journey.