With the threat of storms looming, the Octorara Junior-Senior High School Class of 2024 celebrated its graduation on June 10 during an indoor ceremony held in the school auditorium. However, graduates, their families, school administrators and staff members made the best of the change, not letting the weather dampen their enthusiasm.

The host of the event was Jonathan Propper, principal, who provided the welcome and a message to the students. "Today, as you stand at the intersection of your past and future, I urge you to reflect on the journey that has brought you to this point and to consider the road that lies ahead," he said. "We have strived to instill in each of you a set of character traits that are essential in both your personal and professional lives - boldness, responsibility, ambition, virtuousness, energy and selflessness."

The class valedictorian was Lyla Elboubkri. The salutatorian was Carson Schempp.

In her address, Lyla spoke about the excitement and promise of the future. "This finale to our high school years is not only a metaphorical closing of doors but also the first of many opening doors of a new beginning," she stated. "From the diverse knowledge accumulated in these brick walls ... we stand at the crossroads of opportunity. There are new people, new experiences and new challenges (ahead). You have achieved greatness and will continue to do so every day."

Class speakers were Mayrin Vidal Contreras and Jared Hodorovich.

Mayrin spoke about being a part of the Octorara Area School District since kindergarten. "We have made it," she said, addressing her fellow graduates. "We have been here since the beginning through the ups and downs of COVID. We have been through it all."

She said that the years have produced lasting friendships that will continue after graduation. "We have become a family who cares for each other, helping each other when needed, putting others before ourselves and showing kindness to one another," she said. Mayrin concluded her talk by offering a message in Spanish.

Jared's talk revolved around the question "What does it mean to be human?" "This is life's essential question," he stated. "To be human is to embrace - new ideas, new people and even new environments, like us having graduation in the auditorium. Being human is not closing ourselves off to the unknown. Instead, embrace contrasting ideas ... and the joy of meeting people who are the exact opposite of you. At the end of the day we are the same species. We are all human."

The final student speaker was Sarah Meyer, class president, who offered words of thanks to parents and guardians, as well as school administrators. She also addressed her fellow graduates. "The community of family and friends we have become - I hope you will cherish it the rest of your lives," she said. "The memories we have made during our time in Octorara ... will always be part of who you are. As we prepare for the rest of our lives, remember the things you will take with you - the memories, the relationships and the lessons. As we experience a new phase of our lives, keep the pieces of Octorara that have shaped (you) into the person you are now."

Octorara superintendent Steven Leever provided the concluding remarks. Musical performances were offered by the Octorara High School band and the Octorara Graduation Choir. Student soloists who performed the national anthem were Menah Alkhabaz, Bella Delise and Sydnie Simonds. In addition to those already mentioned, class officers were Fallon Weber, vice president; Carrie Beecher, secretary; and Abigail Fleming, treasurer.