Sugar Valley Rural Charter School graduates 34 at 23rd Commencement

Jun 9, 2023

AMBER MORRIS/FOR THE EXPRESSPictured, the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School Class of 2023 participates in the traditional throwing of the caps.

The Green and The White has long represented tradition and a sense of pride in the 17747 zip code, and on Monday evening when the 34 seniors at the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School took the stage, it was as green as the acres of fields surrounding the packed gymnatorium.

The SVRCS band, led by Director Joseph Mauck, played the familiar Edgar Elgar tune, "Pomp and Circumstance," as row by row, the crowd rose, and the soon to be graduates paraded up the center aisle, taking their time, as neighbors, community leaders and friends, watched them march. Family members and parents sat in reserved seats, cheering and smiling ear to ear, with the occasional tear rolling down a mother's cheek.

The event began in true, rural American fashion, with the singing of the National Anthem, performed by the school's Jr./Sr. High Chorus, led by Choral Director Donald Trenn.

The Master of Ceremonies, SVRCS faculty member Jason Pletcher, led the event, introducing the speakers while keeping the program running at a smooth pace, all while knowing his oldest son Noah, was sitting in his own green robe, only a few feet from the podium.

SVRCS CEO Tracie Kennedy began by welcoming those in attendance and gave the graduates three simple points of advice.

AMBER MORRIS/FOR THE EXPRESSValedictorian Aine Rossman addresses the crowd and her fellow graduates about the merits of exploration, at the SVRCS 23rd Commencement. Aine is the daughter of Jeremy and Brenda Rossman of Woolrich.

"Graduates as you move forward in life, I ask that you believe in yourself, keep a positive outlook and a strong work ethic. These three simple things will allow you to move forward, thrive and succeed in this world."

"You will face challenges throughout society, said Mrs. Kennedy. "Even if you feel like you don't have it in you, it's in you. Believing in yourself will convince people with different views and perspectives to come together and be the change that makes the difference."

"I ask of you all to have a positive outlook. I know we live in a world where so much attention is paid to the negative things that are going on. Remember there are so many positive things happening all of the time around you. Find the positives in our world and make them a priority," she continued.

Mrs. Kennedy finished by looking directly at the seniors. "My dear students, as you leave SVRCS behind, expect that some challenges are going to await you. I strongly believe you have learned over the years, the skills and the knowledge, that you will surely overcome them," she said. "You are all creative and smart in different ways — allow what you have learned to continue to guide you as you journey to greatness. Think big thoughts, and be optimistic. And whatever you are doing, I want you to always see yourself as an asset to society. Be kind and good to people you meet throughout your life."

"I’m going to leave you tonight with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt. ‘In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.’

AMBER MORRIS/FOR THE EXPRESSThe SVRCS Class of 2023 listens as commencement speaker, Dr. Jason Madigan, explains that graduation is only the beginning of the next stage of their lives.

Aine Rossman is the SVRCS Class of 2023 Valedictorian. She discussed the sweet merits of exploration, and the unplanned gift that change can bring.

"Something that has been on my mind since I started high school is exploration," said Rossman. "I have known for a long time that I don't want to settle down in this area. I wanted to branch out to explore the world around me," she continued, as she talked to her peers. "That is what's so great about this state of our lives. We have time to explore. We don't have to settle down right away. We have our whole lives ahead of us to figure out what we want to do with them."

"I know that figuring out what we want to do with our lives has been our main focus for our junior and senior years," she continued. "But here's the thing — if we change our minds, if we decide that our high school dream career isn't what we actually want to do, we don't have to stick with it. We have time to figure out a new plan. We can explore our options."

"Something else that I think we need to remember is if our plans don't work out the way we want them to, it's not the end of the world. Sometimes when we fail it can cause a different door to open."

"I think that while we will never stop growing and learning — even after we graduate — our potential is limited when we don't branch out," she said. "This class has got some amazing people, and I know without a shadow of a doubt we’re all capable of doing amazing things. In order to do that, we all need to be willing to take risks, willing to change, and most of all, to explore our world. It is so easy to freeze like a stone statue if we aren't willing to explore," she stated.

"Sure, being around familiar things can be nice, but there is an entire world outside the school gym. I can think of nothing more exhilarating than going out to explore it."

"Before I finish up, I’d like to talk about my senior quote. It is a translated lyric from my favorite band, a Japanese rock band, called ‘Burnout Syndrome.’ The lyrics from the song ‘Good Morning World.’ These are the words that have stuck with me and motivated me since I became aware of them in ninth grade."

"In this painstaking journey turning over every stone will expand our world."

"These words carry the message that no matter how hard it gets, no matter how much searching we have to do, our world will still be growing, will still be broadening our horizons," she explained.

"We’ve finally finished high school and we’re all set to get ready for our next adventure. 2023 guys — this is our year."

Aine is the daughter of Jeremy and Brenda Rossman of Woolrich.

Salutatorian Ewan Morris is one of five students in the SVRCS Class of 2023 who spent his entire school career from kindergarten through 12th grade at the school. His speech focused on choices and how each turn can change one's direction.

"I believe that life is about choices, and choices are like roads. Each choice is a different road, leading to a different destination," said Morris. "The teachers and close-knit community at our school are like guide rails who keep us on the straight and narrow. But this is not what adult life will be like for us. Even though life happens, and we go astray, we can choose to trust those closest to us to help steer us back on track."

"Sometimes on your route you should press the fuel economy button and balance your workload and play-load" he said. "Make sure to have self care. Be happy, and try to stay positive, through the good and the bad."

Morris also addressed the importance of mental health, and holding on for better days.

"So, take your time, take a breath and hold on to the wheel. Continue to the next hour, to the next day, to the next week, until the storm passes. The next time you feel down, discouraged, broken, defeated or that you just can't do it, remember what your direction is, and why you’re doing it," he said.

"To my fellow classmates, as we head down the highway of our lives, I wish you unforgettable experiences, and that your choices help you to achieve the goals you’ve always dreamed of."

"I wish us to make choices that make the world a better place for future generations," he said. "In 80 years, when we all reach our final destinations, may we look in the rear view mirror of our lives, see that our choices left us fulfilled, satisfied and proud of ourselves with roads in better condition for the next travelers, than when we began."

Ewan is the son of Roy and Amber Morris of Loganton.

The commencement address was given by keynote speaker, Dr. Jason Madigan of Sport and Spine Chiropractic Rehab in Lock Haven.

"Seniors, this is a big accomplishment and it probably seems like it would take forever get here. This is only the beginning chapter of your life. You have a lot more to write going forward. Whether you decide to go straight into the work force, attend a trade school or go to an undergraduate college, you will face many challenges and obstacles you will need to navigate," stated Dr. Madigan.

"Life takes hard work, dedication and perseverance. Graduation is not the end — it is the beginning. Only you can decide how it is going to be written. Remember, you are only a quarter way up that mountain. Now go forward and live your best life. Good luck in writing that next chapter of your lives."

Administrative Coordinator, William Deavor, announced numerous monetary awards and scholarships, followed by the presentation of the diplomas.

One by one, Mrs. Kennedy called out each of the 34 names, while secondary administrator, Brian Stugart, handed out the green leather bound diplomas, and SVRCS School Board Executive Director Sandra Garverick, congratulated each graduate with a handshake.

Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for — the traditional moving of the tassels from the left side of their caps to the right, signifying the earning of their degree.

The crowd cheered and clapped as Mrs. Kennedy proudly declared "it is a great pleasure and an honor to me to present to you the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School graduating Class of 2023."

The graduates then tossed their green caps into the air, laughing, hugging and grinning ear to ear, as they symbolically closed the door to 13 years of learning, dedication and hard work — Sugar Valley style.

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