MTHS Commencement Exercises Planned

When Manheim Township High School (MTHS) graduation speakers were chosen, they were given writing prompts based on the theme "New Normal." The three students who were selected will give their speeches on Thursday, June 2, at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, at 7 p.m., when the school graduates more than 450 members of the Class of 2022.

Rachel Herr, daughter of Rebecca Herr of Lititz, was given the subject of "New Identity." "(My speech is about) barriers (we all face) because of the identities that we don't choose," explained Herr. "But it's the identities we get to choose that make us proud to be ourselves." In the fall, Herr plans to attend Gettysburg College to major in international studies, with hopes of working at the United Nations or as a foreign officer. Calling her time at MTHS "amazing," Herr said that the education she received and the people she has met have impacted her the most.

Sophia Yost, daughter of Michelle Yost and Andrew Yost of Lititz, wrote about "New Mindset." She said her talk will expound on "learning from past exeriences and learning not to dwell on the negative moments." Yost said she will discuss using a "growth mindset to focus on the positive for a better future moving forward." In the fall, Yost plans to attend Duke University in Durham, N.C., to major in public policy with hopes of going to law school in the future. She said that her MTHS experience has been marked by an all-around supportive community, including faculty, students, and administration. "Everybody is very welcoming, and that adds to the academic and extracurricular environment," Yost said.

Carina Bruno, daughter of Cheila Bruno and Tony Bruno of Lancaster, will speak on "New Direction." "(I will talk about) being comfortable and OK with the fact that you're not really in control of where your path will lead," said Bruno. "Your future is going to find you no matter what steps you take." In the fall, Bruno will attend Lancaster Bible College to major in communications. She said she hopes to eventually have her own business involving writing and speaking. She said she is grateful for the MTHS experiences both inside and out of the curriculum. "In this age, you learn so much from friendships and relationships inside the building that are not necessarily school-related," she said.