Cohesive.

Hempfield 12th-grade principal Mark Snitzer and student leaders Lauren Choi and Gracie Kelchner agree that's the most accurate adjective to describe Hempfield High School's Class of 2025.

Hempfield will celebrate the close-knit group during a commencement ceremony, which will be held Tuesday, June 3, at 7 p.m. in the Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm Stadium, 340 Mumma Drive, Landisville.

If there is inclement weather, graduation will be held Wednesday, June 4, at the same time and place. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Hempfield Live Events YouTube channel.

Approximately 550 seniors will receive their diplomas knowing they have left a legacy by working together.

"I've noticed a lot of people who seem to make the experience a lot more enjoyable," said Lauren. "I want to remember having a good time and enjoying my experiences in high school. So many people in my grade do such a good job with this."

Snitzer noted that Lauren was a driving force in making things happen in her role as Student Council president. "(The Student Council) has planned a lot of new events, and a lot of past events we have kept building on," said Lauren. "It's really exciting to see the interactions we have with everyone. Seeing that something we put so much effort into is being appreciated and having a positive impact on our school culture is something our club takes a lot of pride in."

When Lauren was a junior, the Student Council sponsored a parade on the Saturday of homecoming weekend and held another one last fall. "It was an idea floating around, so we just said, 'Let's try it,'" Lauren said. "It was a tradition in the past, and we just wanted to bring it back. It was a fantastic opportunity to work with the firefighters and police officers. They were tossing candy to the kids. It's such a cool event, and I'm so glad we were able to have it. Seeing all the people in the community show up for us is something we're really proud of."

Hempfield has also held a winter formal the last two years. "We wanted another dance for everyone," Lauren said. "We don't have a lot of events in February, so we thought that would be a good opportunity for us."

In February 2025, students chose to make the event a Sadie Hawkins dance, where girls made the date invitations. "Everyone enjoyed that," said Lauren. "It differentiated between homecoming and (the winter formal). A lot of people enjoyed the concept."

Lauren said she enjoyed Hempfield traditions such as the variety shows and pep rallies. This year, the Student Council showed its appreciation for staff members, bus drivers and custodians, which Lauren hopes will continue with other classes.

In the fall, Lauren will attend Lock Haven University after being accepted to the school's 3+2 accelerated physician assistant program, where she will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in three years before studying to become a physician assistant.

Gracie, senior class president and president of the Class of 2025 steering committee, stated that trying times galvanized the group. "We've been through a lot together like most people in high school, going through COVID in seventh grade and trying to better ourselves going into high school," she said. "I think we've accomplished a lot together, both the steering committee and the Student Council, adding those events and keeping school spirit up. Our class is special, and our futures are bright."

Gracie, who will major in nursing at West Chester University, said she was confident it was going to be a good year when approximately 400 students attended the Senior Sunrise at the beginning of the school year.

"That was a good thing to start off the year, and you could see how everyone got along together," said Gracie. "I think we've seen that grow since then."

The Class of 2025's motto is "All In," and teachers can reward students who go above and beyond by giving them a memento that resembles a poker chip. Snitzer presented a chip to both Lauren and Gracie to recognize their accomplishments.

Snitzer said, "Each year the classes are finding new ways to build school spirit, and our students are incredible in doing that. These two fine individuals (Lauren and Gracie) are part of that."

Snitzer added that unity sets the Class of 2025 apart. "I feel like there's been a larger cohesive connection with the class," he said. "By the time they are seniors, they do not spend most of their time in the building. They have worked to bring everyone together. Every year, the senior classes seem to be successful, but this year's class has been more successful. I am very impressed."