Donegal High School (DHS) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2022 on June 2. Student speakers shared advice with their classmates, and students were recognized for their achievements throughout high school.

Class president Ryan Bedi was the first in a series of students to address the audience. "For this small moment in time, we are all gathered here to end one journey and start a new one," he said. "Each of the little moments through school helped define who each of us is sitting here today." He then led the class on an imaginary bus ride through the past 12 years of school, recalling fond memories along the way.

Hunter Gehman was named valedictorian. After graduation, he will attend Bucknell University to study engineering. He acknowledged the effect the pandemic had on the class and how the members of the Class of 2022 learned to adapt. "We're prepared for anything the world will throw at us," he noted. "We're prepared to do more than simply sit back and react to the world changing around us. We are also prepared to catalyze change ourselves."

Diavionne Musser was recognized as salutatorian. She plans to attend Temple University to study genetic counseling. She encouraged her fellow classmates to focus on growth as they make the transition from high school to adulthood. She also highlighted the positives to come out of the past few years when many events and activities were canceled due to the pandemic. "By learning to savor the small things in life, many of us have found much more joy in our senior year and we will grow to find more joy in the future," she stated. "Additionally, by having time alone to reflect, many of us have discovered our true passions that have now shaped our plans for the future."

Principal John Haldeman spoke to the Class of 2022, recalling, "Going into the 2018-19 school year, DHS was given fair warning that the incoming class was a handful. Yes, the Class of 2022 had earned a reputation as not only being the biggest class in the Donegal School District ... but also a challenging group." He noted that the class soon settled into high school and added, "I am proud to say that I have had the last four years to get to know you and watch you grow." He then joked that he reviewed thousands of Instagram reels to find advice for the Class of 2022 before settling on three themes: enjoy life, live a happy life and start a family and have kids. "Life doesn't come with an instruction manual," he said, "Life is dynamic and ever-changing. ... Class of 2022, please remember we do love you and you will always be a member of our tribe."