Brandywine Heights Area High School seniors crossed the stage, becoming graduates in front of a crowd of proud families and educators at Commencement on May 30.
High School Principal Joshua Ziatyk addressed the crowd gathered in Kutztown University’s Keystone Hall.
“From this moment on, you will be presented with thousands of decisions,” Ziatyk said. “As much as we desire to have everyday planned, everyday scripted, I think we all understand that life is full of surprises.”
Changing the script of Commencement, Ziatyk surprised everyone by adding to the program.
The Class of 2018 is the last to honor a valedictorian and salutatorian. Next year, instead of recognizing class rank, Brandywine will honor cum laude academic distinction. Wanting to honor the 2018 graduates who earned this distinction, too many to list here, he named this year’s cum laude students graduating with a final cumulative grade point average of 4.0 – 4.19, those graduating magna cum laude with a GPA of 4.20 – 4.34, and those graduating summa cum laude with the highest distinction with a GPA of 4.35 and above.
Ziatyk also recognized the 50 students, wearing pins of distinction, who went above and beyond the community service requirement hours giving more than 4,000 hours to the community. As a class, they surpassed a total of 5,000 hours, most of which was served in the Brandywine and Kutztown area.
“Tonight, we celebrate the educational journey of all of our students. As evidenced by the multitude of awards, this class is certainly not short on talent.”
Recognizing the many awards and accolades earned by in athletics, academics, BCTC, music and more, Ziatyk said, “You are a majorly accomplished class. The individuals that comprise the Class of 2018 have given me assurance that tomorrow’s leaders of our country are sitting here tonight.”
Salutatorian Aaron Pritchard encouraged his fellow graduates to delve into not only the things they know they enjoy but to also explore beyond their greatest fears and insecurities to find a career they are passionate about. Quoting the class motto to not be afraid of fear because fear challenges and makes a person stronger, he said what they fear may just become their passion, their career.
“As long as you are passionate about what you do in life, you will be successful,” said Pritchard.
Valedictorian Johannah Fink thanked the Brandywine faculty who helped them not only find their passions but also pursue them.
Offering advice for the future, Fink said, “We do not always choose the situations or the challenges we face, but we can always choose how we react. More over, it is in those situations and those challenges when our reactions matter most.”
Fink said those most likely to succeed are not only those who did best in advanced classes.
“Success and greatness is in each of us,” Fink said. “Greatness is not measured in dollars signs, house value, job title or perception. Greatness is a self measure. Greatness is taking the opportunities given to you, the abilities you have that bring the world more happiness and a brighter tomorrow.”
Senior Class Officers Erin Sabol and Ashlee Ludwig gave the Senior Farewell speeches.
“How will I, a student from a town with one stoplight, one ice cream shop and two Tony’s pizzerias make it in this complicated world?” asked Ludwig. “No worries. We’ve been given the tools we need to really make it in this world.”
Ludwig noted those who campaigned against gun violence in schools.
“Thank you for being the change our world desperately needs and thank you for inspiring us to be leaders of our own causes,” she said. “We, the Class of 2018, were not only inspired by each other but also by the people who have supported us.”
“High school is just the beginning, the beginning of a new future and a new chapter. When you receive your diploma tonight, you are not only receiving a piece of paper but a tool that will open the door to many new opportunities,” said Sabol. “Throughout these four short years, we have shown what incredible accomplishments we can make… As I look at all of you tonight, I take immense pride in knowing I am graduating aside of the most dedicated, compassionate and inspiring people I have ever met.”
Prior to the presentation of diplomas, Brandywine Superintendent Andrew Potteiger told the Class of 2018, “You can make a difference… Be the change the world needs.”
