Cherishing special moments from high school and beyond was the theme as student speakers addressed the Class of 2025 during commencement ceremonies held on June 6 on the front lawn of Octorara Junior-Senior High School. The event also featured musical performances and comments offered by school administrators.

Salutatorian Mya Trotty spoke about her passion for collecting coins throughout her life and placing them in glass containers. She compared that to cherishing small moments throughout high school.

"The value was never in the money; it was in the collecting," she stated. "All of us have collected our own coins these last 12 years - not literal coins - but our own small personal moments. Today isn't the end of our collection; it is just a change of jars - new cities, new schools, new lives - they all hold treasures."

"Let's practice the habit of noticing or picking up small unremarkable things," she added. "When they pile up, they become the story of who we are. So if you ever notice a coin on the ground, pick it up. It may just remind you of this moment and, of course, save it for me."

Like Mya, co-valedictorian Meghan McGinnis talked about special moments in high school, describing herself as person who collects stories. "When you learn to ride a bike or the moment you met your best friend and the first day of freshman year - they are all chapters in your book of life," she said. "The next story (will be when you) walk across this stage. This page turn looks different for each of us, but unlike books, this is not where your book ends. (Your) story is part of the book you're still writing."

Also speaking at the event was co-valedictorian Sebastian Hess, who recalled starting his high school career at Octorara four years ago. "It's hard to believe that exactly 1,383 days ago we nervously climbed these same steps for the first time. We were wide-eyed freshmen clutching our schedules and wondering what the next four years would hold," he said. "Tonight, we stand at the top of a new set of steps - the ones leading into our futures filled with pride, hope and memories we will carry with us forever."

He expressed appreciation to teachers, parents, coaches, family members and fellow students for their support through high school. "When I was younger, I couldn't wait to grow up, graduate from high school and leave Octorara behind. But now just minutes away (from graduating), I realized how much I'll miss this place, this time and my people," he shared. "I say this not out of sadness, but as a reminder to live in the present and to savor each and every second."

Class president Delaney Amole asked parents and guardians to stand and be recognized. She also recognized teachers and administrators who have supported the class during high school, and she led a moment of silence for Nathan Mann, who died in 2022 at the age of 15 while a freshman at Octorara.

Finally, she addressed the senior class. "As we step into this next chapter of our lives, cherish each friendship, each memory and every lesson you have collected at your time at Octorara," she said. "Congratulations Class of 2025. We made it. Thank you to all who walked beside us on the journey to this milestone."

Jonathan Propper, principal, addressed the Class of 2025, providing advice to the students. "Here are some truths," he told the students. "Don't rush the next chapter. Let yourself try, fail, explore and evolve. Your future is not a deadline; it's a discovery."

Commencement also featured performances by the high school band and choir and senior soloist Elizabeth Murphy, who sang the national anthem. Steven Leever, superintendent, provided closing remarks and addressed the graduating class, stating, "Our vision at Octorara is to empower you to build successful futures. You're going out now. Embrace it and enjoy it."

To view the entire graduation ceremony, visit http://www.youtube.com and search for "Octorara Class of 2025 Commencement."