The Twin Valley High School (TVHS) Class of 2025 held its graduation on June 7 during commencement ceremonies held at the Santander Arena in Reading. The event included performances by the school's orchestra and senior chorus, a review of the students' accomplishments over the past four years and remarks by student speakers and administrators.

The class valedictorian was Ashley Siv, the daughter of Kok Siv and Linh Diep, and the salutatorian was Shea Schwabenbauer, the daughter of Jim and Kristin Schwabenbauer.

Shea provided the opening remarks. "Today marks a major milestone in our lives and celebrates the countless moments that have brought us here," she said. "As we celebrate today, it's important to recognize that this moment does not belong to the Class of 2025 alone. It also belongs to every parent, teacher, friend and mentor who supported us along the way and helped us reach this point. To the people behind the scenes - our guidance counselors, cafeteria workers, office staff, bus drivers and all those whose efforts often go unseen - thank you."

TVHS principal Bill Clements listed some of the achievements of the class, noting that students earned distinction at both the state and national levels through their involvement in clubs such as the TSA, HOSA and the FFA and that senior class musicians earned placements in honors ensembles at the county, regional and state levels.

He also noted the achievements of the theater arts club and the visual arts club, career and technical education students, and TVHS student-athletes. "They've broken numerous school records and earned multiple individual medals and recognition, including All-League, All-State, All-American and Academic All-American," he stated. "Their hard work, determination and skill led to team championships in various sports over the past four years, including cross-country, field hockey, football, lacrosse, tennis, track and field and volleyball."

He noted that seniors planned spirit weeks, homecoming events and the prom; organized collections for local food banks; held holiday gift drives for children; raised funds for area charities; and volunteered their time to clean up roadside litter. He credited the TVHS Mini-THON Club for its work to raise money for the Four Diamonds organization.

"This class was offered over $14 million in merit aid and scholarships from colleges and universities; that's the highest total on record at Twin Valley High School," he reported, adding that 54 TVHS graduates will enter the workplace; 183 plan to continue their education at colleges, universities or technical schools; and several graduates have enrolled in ROTC programs or will attend military academies.

Secretary Angel Altringer and treasurer Carmelo Medina also provided remarks and announced the senior class gift, which is repainting the foursquare court of the senior lounge and purchasing benches to be placed outside the gymnasium entrance.

Class speaker Dakota Paton presented a talk with the theme "Caught in the Middle." "When we hear the phrase 'caught in the middle,' it often comes with the negative connotation like being stuck, pulled between two forces or lost in the shuffle, but if we really pause and look closer being in the middle is actually a privilege," she said, noting that she is one of nine children in her family. "We're standing on the bridge between who we were and who we're becoming, and it's both exciting and terrifying. We get to remember where we came from while we are reaching for what comes next, and we carry the past while shaping the future."

Superintendent Robert Scoboria also provided advice to the students. "Don't stop working when you're tired; stop when the task is done," he said. "Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better and do the right thing all the time, not just when others are watching."

"As you take your next steps, never forget where your journey began," added Gary McEwen, president of the Twin Valley Board of School Directors. "Twin Valley is your foundation, and no matter where life takes you, it will always be your home."

To view the entire TVHS graduation ceremony, visit http://www.youtube.com and search for "2025 Twin Valley Commencement."