Members of the Penn Manor Class of 2021 received their diplomas Friday, June 4, before family and friends during an outdoor ceremony at Millersville University’s Biemesderfer Stadium.
It was a beautiful night for Penn Manor’s first outdoor ceremony since 2006, which was delayed by one day due to rainy weather. The move outdoors this year was prompted by pandemic restrictions.
In his address to the crowd, principal Baron Jones commended the 359 graduates for persevering in an unprecedented school year filled with construction, pandemic closures and quarantines, online learning and multiple schedule changes.
“You have navigated a challenging year and have come out of the other side stronger and more resilient,” he said. “I believe personal growth can only be forged through adversity. Therefore, your class is ready and eager to accept the challenges that await.”
Valedictorian Andrew Glenn thanked several of his teachers for inspiring him and urged his classmates to keep striving for moral and intellectual growth.
“We know that learning, loving, serving and creating are the hallmarks of a meaningful life,” he told the audience. “And we are prepared – by the abundant opportunities which have been afford us – to make the world a wiser and better place. The play goes on, and it is now our turn to contribute a verse.”
Andrew was one of five students who addressed the crowd. The others were salutatorian Jordan Schucker, named Student of the Year at the ceremony; Thomas Hockenberry; Naisha Lamour; and Arden Morgan.
Congratulations to the 359 members of the Class of 2021, and best wishes as you embark on the next chapter of your lives!
