When the 148 members of the Eastern York High School Class of 2025 graduated on May 30, they prepared to mark the end of one phase of their lives and usher in the next one.

Emma Brister was named valedictorian. She thanked her family members and the friends and teachers who have supported her through her school journey. She also shared insights with her classmates into the lessons they've learned throughout the past 12 years.

"Our educational journeys taught us many valuable lessons, but I would like to share one piece of advice. Though others may influence how we think or what we do or say, to be truly happy, we must be true to ourselves," she shared. "Do not allow yourself to be manipulated into someone that society expects you to be. Be your authentic self, do what you want to do with your life and don't let anyone stop you."

Salutatorian Neala Malloy also extended thanks to the people who have supported her throughout her years at Eastern York, and she acknowledged that the Class of 2025 has had many things to overcome. She shared with the crowd that she struggled to tackle her fear of public speaking. "To stand in front of a crowd this large would send ninth-grade me into a spiral," she said. "But here I am today doing something I once believed I couldn't. I tell you this story to encourage you all to never underestimate yourselves and what you are capable of."

Class president Brenden Wrightstone reminded his peers that the class has been through a turbulent few years, but that facing challenges underscores strength.

"The single greatest virtue, in my opinion, is perseverance. ... Our journey through unprecedented times has no doubt equipped us with this skill," he told the audience, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on the Class of 2025. "We have made it past all of that. We are here today. That is our testimony of perseverance. We made it."

The ceremony included presentation of the colors by members of the Eastern York Junior ROTC as well as a performance by members of the school's chamber choir. Superintendent Joseph W. Mancuso also addressed the students, as did principal Nathan C. McGlynn.

"It is truly a great day to be a Golden Knight," Mancuso said. He then read a poem by student Macy McNatt, written in 2020 for a class assignment, which asked for the six words that best describe Eastern York School District. Macy used the words "eager, team, leaders, persistent, strong and resilient."

McGlynn recalled the achievements earned by the members of the Class of 2025 as well as the challenges they faced. "There were moments of doubt, times you stumbled," he said. "But those moments did not define you as an individual or a class. Your response to them did. That's something worth remembering as you head into whatever comes next as you move forward."