More than 400 Penn Manor seniors earned their diplomas Tuesday night before family and friends during a joyous graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017.
Held at Franklin & Marshall College, commencement celebrated the many accomplishments of the graduates, including state and national recognition in the fields of technology, performing arts, athletics and academics. Principal Dr. Philip Gale commended the graduates “for collectively becoming a very talented class, one that will be remembered for making a significant impact on Penn Manor High School and the Penn Manor community.”
He pointed out that seniors received 132 academic awards and scholarships totaling more than $120,000 and more than $3.4 million in outside scholarship money and financial aid to continue their education.
Gale also praised the seniors for helping Penn Manor High School earn its third straight silver award as one of the best high schools in the country and, this year, its status as the highest rated high school in Lancaster County.
Members of the Class of 2017 took 455 advanced-placement exams in 21 different subjects and 39 college classes while enrolled at Penn Manor. In addition, 73 seniors graduated with honors, 62 students graduated with a grade-point average of 4.0 or higher, and 52 seniors earned a GPA of 4.0 or higher and graduated with honors.
During the ceremony, Doug Kramer was named Student of the Year and six students — Mark Battle, Ryan Barnett, Alyssa Ames, Mark Bowman, Jordan Higgins and Adeline Long — were recognized for near-perfect attendance. Also honored were the 19 graduates who have enlisted in the military.
You can view a video of the ceremony here.
Congratulations to the 440 members of the Class of 2017, and best wishes as you embark on the next chapter of your lives!