Members of the Penn Manor Class of 2018 received their diplomas Wednesday night before family and friends during a festive, upbeat graduation ceremony at Franklin & Marshall College.
In his address to the crowd, principal Dr. Phil Gale celebrated the many accomplishments of the graduates, including state and national recognition in the performing arts, agriculture, athletics, technology and academics.
He pointed out that seniors received 145 academic awards and scholarships totaling more than $150,000 and more than $3.2 million in outside scholarship money and financial aid to continue their education.
Members of the Class of 2018 completed 91 college classes while enrolled at Penn Manor and took 484 advanced-placement exams in 24 different subjects. In addition, 74 seniors graduated with honors, 60 students graduated with a grade-point average of 4.0 or higher, and 53 seniors earned a GPA of 4.0 or higher and graduated with honors.
Gale presented awards to valedictorian Nicholas Fafel, who graduated with a GPA of 4.8, and salutatorian Joshua Adams, who earned a 4.677 GPA.
During the ceremony, Taraje Whitfield was named Student of the Year, and six students — Kayla Hansen, Ryan Mowery, Breanna Yanas, Justin Hoang, Mikiah Sangry and Aidan Toomey — were recognized for near-perfect attendance. Also honored were the 12 graduates who have enlisted in the military.
Gale also praised five retiring high school staff members, with a collective 142 years of experience at Penn Manor, for their positive impact on students — teachers Frank Dell’Estate, Donna Brady and Dave Bender, school nurse Anne Butterfield and athletic director Jeff Roth.
“Through the education you have received, you are well prepared, but it is the example of these five teachers, and their 120 colleagues, that have provided you with a firm foundation on which you can build the rest of your life,” he told the graduates.
The ceremony also honored members of the Penn Manor High School Class of 1968, many of whom were in attendance.
You can view a video of the ceremony here.
Congratulations to the 371 members of the Class of 2018, and best wishes as you embark on the next chapter of your lives!
Several photos provided by LifeTouch