An education is a developmental foundation.

A high school diploma can be a launching pad for colleges and universities, technical or trade schools and the military. But a scholastic education can also lay the groundwork for careers, healthy relationships and prosperous lives.

"I think education is the hub of our community and of all communities," said Kristy Szobocsan, who's been Warwick High School's principal for nine years. "A school is a place where we can provide not just education, but safety, food and clothing. I tell kids all the time that that diploma is more than a piece of paper. It can open every door in life."

During two evening hours of June 10, at Calvary Church in Manheim Township, the Warwick School District formally introduced 338 prepared young people to the world during its annual commencement exercise. The night was filled with a range of emotions, including joy, sorrow, thankfulness, excitement and expectations.

An evening earlier, on June 9, the Warwick School District conducted its annual baccalaureate ceremony at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church.

"This class was hardworking," said Kristy. "There were musicians and artists. They were patient and flexible, which will be required for many things in their lives moving forward. I told them, 'My challenge to you is to keep building and to be the architects of your own future.' I ended my remarks by telling them I love them."

That Tuesday's commencement ceremony began with some social time for the students in Calvary Church's gymnasium.

Following the entrance procession and the high school band's playing of "Pomp and Circumstance," Kristy spoke to the students and the audience from the heart. That was followed by senior Zoe Wiker and her speech "Don't Stop Believing" and senior Gannon Ziegler's oral presentation titled "Symphony 2025."

It was at that point that Linnea Miller was announced as the Class of 2025's valedictorian and Ansh Dwivedi was announced as the class's salutatorian. Also recognized were students who made up the top 10% of the class academically, members of National Honor Society, students planning on entering the military and Warwick School District employees.

"It was a great celebration," said Kristy. "The auditorium at Calvary was filled with joy and happiness. It was a celebration of hard work and all the kids who took different paths together."

"There were kids who were like, 'It's over; peace out,'" continued Kristy. "Others were so proud, like, 'We did it.' Some were sad and sobbing. There was genuine sadness because they were moving on."

Before the diplomas were presented, Warwick school board president Emily Zimmerman and acting superintendent Steve Szobocsan addressed the gathering. Then, after Class of 2025 president Caleb Johnsen spoke about "A Greater Purpose," the band played the Warwick High School alma mater, and those present were shown a senior sign-off video.

Finally, members of the Class of 2025 got to do what they went there to do - thrust their caps emotionally into the air.

"As I think back on my time at Warwick, I am most proud of my classmates," said Caleb. "I am honored to have been a part of the Warwick Class of 2025, and I am so excited to see what each of my fellow classmates will accomplish in the future."

"The processional is one of my favorite parts; just watching kids with their smiles sets the stage for the ceremony," said Kristy. "I also like watching kids walk across the stage to get their diplomas. When it ends, I reflect pretty quickly about the history that this particular class has made at Warwick."

Some members of Warwick's Class of 2025 have well-thought-out plans for their immediate futures, and others aren't quite as sure. But either way, they are all prepared to meet the challenges the world will present.

"This is the Class of 2025's story," said Kristy. "I think (graduation) closes one chapter and begins another. It's not an ending. They're beginning the next chapter of their lives. When we plan graduation, we plan it through their lenses and around who they are as people."