Lower Dauphin High School (LDHS) celebrated its Class of 2022 during its 62nd commencement ceremony on June 9 at the Giant Center in Hershey. A total of 261 students turned their tassels during the ceremony.

The LDHS band played the prelude, and the senior class entered the arena to "Pomp and Circumstance," with the processional led by superintendent Robert K. Schultz and Lynn S. Sassaman, school board president.

Assistant principal Sean W. McClintick welcomed the students and the audience, and the women's select choir performed the national anthem and, later, "Rise Up," with music by Jake Runestad and the lyrics taken from speeches and writings of Susan B. Anthony. The ceremony also featured a performance of "Don't You Worry, Child" by the Chamber Singers, arranged by Shams Ahmed with music and lyrics by Swedish House Mafia.

Students heard from salutatorian Conor Grubb and valedictorian Katherine Estes.

Conor provided some encouragement and suggestions to his classmates. "You've got to live in the moment and cherish everything while you have it," he emphasized. "Life seems to fly by if we don't stop and appreciate it."

"You've got to find what you love to do," he continued. "Even if you didn't love school or you don't like your job, find something else that makes you happy. ... I hope you will remember your ensembles, your casts, your teams, your clubs, your groups - any of the things that brought you joy these last four years."

"Let's not be dismissive of the time, the friendships, the effort, the relationships, and the memories," he urged. "We are who we are today thanks to the people and experiences that have taken us through these 12 years."

Katherine shared a story of when she tried to swallow a grape whole but instead ended up choking on it, which she noted could have changed the trajectory of her high school years. "For me, I think this little anecdote represents many lessons that are pertinent to our graduating class as we go out into the world," she said.

"As you go forward beyond high school, you will continue to make decisions and take steps every day," she shared. "Don't underestimate the little things in your daily life, because you never know what will make a big impact."

Katherine continued by emphasizing that her encounter with the grape was scary but brief. "Isn't that how many obstacles are in life - brief?" she said. "There is a lot to be said for having the stamina to push through what might seem like the end of the world in the moment."

Students also heard from Schultz, principal Justin M. Hanula, and assistant principal Stephanie L. Vaughn, who delivered the final remarks after the Chamber Singers performed the alma mater. The LDHS band performed the recessional.

The ceremony may be viewed by searching for "Lower Dauphin High School - Class of 2022" on YouTube.

Facts:

Class officers: Conor Grubb, president; Sydnee Lynch, vice president; Katherine Estes, secretary; Ryan Woolf, treasurer; Anne Linker, financial secretary; Gisell Reza, historian

Class colors: purple and silver

Class song: "O Fortuna" by Carl Orff

Class advisers: Clinton Fackler and Chad Lister

Class counselor: Farren Schmidt

Class motto: "In Omnia Paratus"