The Octorara Junior-Senior High School Class of 2023 celebrated its graduation on June 7 during a special ceremony held on the front lawn of the school. The event, which marked the 67th annual graduation ceremony held at Octorara, featured student speakers, musical performances and comments offered by school administrators.

The host of the event was Jonathan Propper, principal, who provided the welcome and a message to the students. "Graduates from the Class of 2023, I have no doubt that you're prepared to leave Octorara and make this world a better place," said Propper. "Your parents and teachers have worked tirelessly to shape and mold you into the wonderful people you are and the students that we are so very proud of."

Senior class president Julia Roth was next to address the audience. She talked about how years pass by in what seem like minutes. "Thirteen years or 2,340 days or 56,160 hours. That's approximately how long our school career has lasted. All that time, but now it only feels like one minute," she stated. "To the underclassmen, enjoy high school because it goes by too quickly. To my classmates, please take time to enjoy the moments we all know and the know the difference a singular minute can make."

She also thanked the parents in attendance for their support through the years. "You have sacrificed so much for us, and we are forever grateful. We will continue to make you proud and become the most successful people we can," said Julia.

The class valedictorian was Jackson Leaman. The salutatorian was Mackenzie Muldoon.

In his speech, Jackson talked about the impact of the pandemic on the students. "The Class of 2023 is the first graduating class that has had all four years of their education affected by the reality of COVID-19," he said. "And yet here we stand at the finish line, tired and weary but resilient all the same. It would have been easy to give up or to lose heart, but each of us here today stayed the course."

He also mentioned graduate Mason Ellingsworth, who lost his legs during a tractor accident last year. Because of prosthetics, Mason was able to walk across the stage to accept his diploma. "Mason Ellingsworth, you are an inspiration to us," said Jackson. "All your heart of bravery and positivity, even in the face adversity, is incredible. Let that same spirit of resilience and relentless determination fill us all."

Class speaker Amy Tellez gave the final student speech, quoting author Ronan O'Brien, who stated, "Experience has taught me that what you love, you should love all the harder because someday it will be gone."

"This goes for everything I have experienced, learned, endured and cherished throughout my school years," said Amy. "Although these are all memories now, I am so glad that I got to spend them here at Octorara."

Interim superintendent Jim Scanlon provided the concluding remarks.