When Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) held its graduation ceremony at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, at 6:30 p.m. on June 1, four seniors addressed their family, friends, and fellow classmates, as well as school staff members.

As president of the Class of 2021, Elli Stoltzfus had designated duties, while Brianna Ford, Marina Martin, and Nathaniel Miller wrote speeches to deliver.

Stoltzfus welcomed the gathering to the ceremony and accepted the diplomas on behalf of the other 124 graduating students. In the fall, Stoltzfus plans to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., to study business. She noted that the Pequea Valley community has been supportive of the class. "The community came together to put on a prom for us," she said, referring to the event held recently at Kitchen Kettle Village. "The community donated that to the students, and we were able to give back to The Factory Ministries." She also mentioned how much she appreciates PVHS teachers, who see each student as an individual.

Ford's speech was about the unpredictability of life. "I (told) the story of how I lost my dad three years ago," she said, adding that she closed by reminding the audience to be appreciative of what they have because they never know when it will go away. In the fall, she plans to attend West Chester University to major in secondary education. While at PVHS, she has appreciated the opportunity to be part of multiple clubs. She has served as president of Aevidum, which held a food drive for The Factory Ministries, and as yearbook editor, which has given her the chance to capture memories for the school. "I (created) things people can look back on 20 years down the road," she said.

Martin shared that her speech grew out of her personal experience of not being quite sure of her career path. "It was about not knowing what you want to do after high school and how that is normal and OK," she explained. Martin said that she will work and research colleges and majors during a gap year. She noted she is thankful that PVHS offers a variety of diversified learning programs to meet student needs. She referenced the MCL (Mass Customized Learning) effort, which works to create a learning environment where each individual has opportunities to reach his or her full potential.

Miller based his speech on a friend who took the time to get to know him, noting that the person changed Miller's life "just by doing small things and being kind." He focused on how simple kindnesses can touch the lives of others in profound ways. In the fall, he will attend Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C. While his major is currently undecided, Miller expressed interest in business and law. He also plans to wrestle in college. Miller noted that he is grateful for the strength of PVHS and the greater Pequea Valley community. "I (had) teachers I talked to. ... I (was) not in their classes, but they knew my name," shared Miller, who recalled when his family had a house fire several years ago. "The support we received from the community was amazing," Miller said.