Lampeter-Strasburg High School's Class of 2022 graduated on June 3 during a 7 p.m. ceremony on Pioneer Field at JK Mechanical Stadium.

A total of 214 seniors walked in the school's 69th annual commencement ceremony to become L-S graduates. These students, plus their classmates who were unable to attend, accumulated 11,478 community service hours and more than $2.6 million in scholarships. Eighty-nine students graduated with honors. The Class of 2022 will go on to attend postsecondary schools around the country (67%), serve in the military (0.5%), and join the workforce (17%).

Among those receiving recognition were valedictorian Riley Wissler, salutatorian Victoria Meredith, and third in class Hannah Gawne. Riley plans to attend Dartmouth College to study biochemistry, and Victoria plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study biochemistry/pre-medicine. Hannah plans to study finance at Messiah University.

Student Kayla Shepherd gave opening remarks at the ceremony. "It feels as if it wasn't that long ago when the young adults we are, that we honor and congratulate, were starting their first day in kindergarten," she said, acknowledging that since that first day of school, the students have been guided and influenced by family members, teachers, and others. "There are people in all of our lives that guide and push us through," she noted. "We are all grateful to everyone that has helped us in our lives and got us where we are today."

In her speech, titled "Reflections Along Rosier Way," Emaly Garrett pointed out that Rosier Way, which changed from a two-way road to a one-way road during the class's high school years, was a symbol of the students' journey as Pioneers. "We all start somewhere, and it all started for us in 2009, together as one L-S family on our journey through Rosier Way," she said. She shared memories from her time at each school in the district, and she recognized that she and her classmates learned to face hardships head-on.

The pandemic, Emaly shared, was just one of the hardships. "During the end of our sophomore year through the beginning of senior year, we had to adapt, but eventually, we found our spark again, creating a new norm," she said. Like Rosier Way, she concluded, "the new norm turned out to be a one-way road, directing us to our future of graduating and deciding our next step in life."

"May Rosier Way lighten our path to our future, whether it be in the workforce, college, military, or wherever your path takes you," Emaly said. "Remember these experiences, continue to find normalcy, but do not settle for it. Drive through it, and live through these memories that build upon yourself."

Class president Ermine Jacques shared closing remarks, and the senior chorus performed One Direction's "Don't Forget Where You Belong" as arranged by senior Jack Harnish.

To view the ceremony, search for "L-S Class of 2022 Commencement" on YouTube.