PVHS plans commencement ceremony

When Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) seniors were given the opportunity to speak at the graduation ceremony, a few eagerly volunteered. Through a process of elimination, Abby Beiler and Makenna Bradley were selected to speak. As president of the Class of 2025, Annabelle Reber will welcome those gathered and take a leading role in the commencement portion of the event.  PVHS will graduate more than 100 senior students at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, on Wednesday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m. 

Abby is the daughter of Chandon and Rachel Beiler of Gap. "My speech will be about opportunity and learning how to continue to take potentially scary risks and opportunities even after we graduate," explained Abby. "I'm really excited to speak to my class about that specifically because I feel that we have a lot of opportunities here at PVHS. I want to tell (my classmates) not to stop looking for things that can challenge (them) and really be valuable just because we are graduating and going in different directions."

Abby expressed that she is glad she attended PVHS because of the positive atmosphere at the school. "I'm glad I went to PVHS because everybody here is incredibly supportive and encouraging," she shared. "I feel like no matter what you want to do or try, there's always someone cheering you on." Abby noted that teachers, administrators, club advisers, and parents have all provided encouragement. "Everybody here wants to see us succeed," she said. After graduating, Abby plans to take a gap year before pursuing education in food science, possibly at a school in the western United States. 

Makenna is the daughter of Jim and Jody Bradley of Paradise. "My speech is about the importance of showing up for the things you care about," noted Makenna, adding that she will give credit to school-based mentors who have supported her and her classmates. "(These mentors) have given us opportunities," she pointed out, adding that she will also focus on "being present in situations to show people that you care and are putting in your work toward a goal."

Makenna is thankful she attended PVHS specifically because of the career opportunities she and her classmates have enjoyed. She pointed out that Pequea Valley School District First Choice coordinator Jared Erb has been an important influence, but she also gave credit to other teachers and mentors. "(PVHS faculty) has given all their students so many career opportunities, and they've helped me to have internships and job shadows that helped me with my first choice," she stated. "All the mentors here have had such a positive impact on all of us." After graduating, Makenna plans to attend HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, to complete a business administration degree, with the goal of growing her two businesses - Makenna's Beads and Flourish Makers Market, a monthly event held at White Chimneys Estate in Gap.

Annabelle, the daughter of Ashley James of Paradise, is thankful for her PVHS experience because of the care and attention she and her fellow students have received from the greater community. "I am so happy I went to Pequea Valley because the community is pleasant," she stated before pausing to add, "(No), 'pleasant' isn't good enough (because) they are so kind and welcoming and want the best for us. They give so much to support to our clubs and the students and facilitators and everybody in this school," she stated. "It's really important to say thank you to our community." Following graduation, Annabelle will matriculate at Penn State University's main campus to study veterinary science with plans to become a veterinarian specializing in treating both large and small animals.