The Twin Valley High School (TVHS) Class of 2022 celebrated its graduation on June 5 during commencement ceremonies held at the Santander Arena in Reading. The event featured a series of student speakers, performances by the senior chorus and a review of the senior class's accomplishments over the past four years.

The valedictorian was Arden Olivia Wolfe, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wolfe of Morgantown, and the salutatorian was Ryan Baylis, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Baylis of Honey Brook. The class speaker was Leah Karwic, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Karwic of Elverson.

Ryan offered opening remarks. He began by thanking the students, parents and teachers for their perseverance over the past four years. "I applaud all of my fellow graduates for all their hard work, perseverance and adaptations to change, which led them to success during our very unorthodox high school experience," he stated. "I thank the parents, relatives and others in the audience who have supported the Class of 2022 every step of the way."

He also spoke of how the pandemic forced students to slow down and appreciate life more, quoting the title character from the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." "Ferris Bueller once said, 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you will miss it,'" said Ryan.

In her speech, Leah spoke about the concept of kindness. "It is the little things that we do for one another that show that we care," she stated. "No act of kindness is ever wasted."

TVHS principal Bill Clements listed the accomplishments of the Class of 2022, including awards and honors won by students in both state and national competitions in FFA and Technology Students of America. He also acknowledged TVHS student musicians, student artists and members of the theater arts club who earned awards in the school's newly formed chapter of the Pennsylvania Thespian Society.

"Student-athletes have broken numerous records and have won multiple individual medals. They have been team champions like no others before them," Clements stated. "They have won gold medals in cross-country, field hockey, lacrosse, softball, tennis and track and field for an astounding 16 championships. The senior-led field hockey team won the county, district and state championship all in one season."

He added that the seniors planned spirit weeks, a powderpuff game, a junior-senior prom and homecoming. They collected items for food banks, provided holiday gifts for children and raised funds for local charities. "The Mini-THON shattered (its) previous record by collecting over $41,000 to support families and fund research in the fight against pediatric cancer," he said.

Other student speakers were class co-presidents Bella Krohmer and Alivia Lichtner, vice president Luke Culbert and secretary/treasurer Audrey Painter. Superintendent Patrick Winters and school district board president Gary McEwen also offered remarks.

To view the entire TVHS graduation ceremony, visit http://www.youtube.com and search for "2022 TVHS Commencement."