GSHS Prepares For Commencement Ceremony
When the approximately 255 Garden Spot High School (GSHS) seniors take their seats in the school gym just prior to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 4, three of them will probably be a little extra excited about the upcoming event. Angellia Brenneman, Aislyn Freed, and Haven Kha have all prepared speeches to deliver to their family, friends, and fellow students in the Class of 2021, along with GSHS staff members.
Brenneman chose a theme that represents a favorite entertainment company and reworked it to represent the paths of herself and her classmates. "I really love Disney, and I thought it would be something that was a big part of our childhoods, especially now when we're ready to move on to the real world and be adults," said Brenneman, who noted she was inspired by a quote from Walt Disney to call her speech "Think, Dream, Believe, Dare."
"I (divided) my speech into four parts and talked about each of those parts and how they relate to us and our journeys (to and from here)," said Brenneman, who added that she looked back at how hard class members have worked and everything they have overcome, knowing next year they will have to dare to accomplish more. In the fall, Brenneman plans to matriculate at the University of Delaware, where she will study music education with minors in both theater and disability studies. She said she is glad to have attended Garden Spot because the experience has prepared her for the future and given her opportunities she appreciates.
Freed titled her speech "We Are the Class of 2021," and she will laud the perseverance and positive attitudes of the class members. "I wanted to write about our experience from being able to enjoy our years, to being shut out from the world because of a pandemic," explained Freed. "I think it is important for everyone to know and realize that we will be the generation who will never give up as easily as others think." Freed is currently attending the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center at the Public Safety Training Center for the Protective Services Academy, where she is training to become a licensed EMT. Following graduation, she will enroll in the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences paramedic program. Freed said she is glad she attended Garden Spot because the school gave her a chance to "shine." "I have a lot of support in the community, which has helped me mentally, emotionally, and physically. As I leave, I hope to leave a mark on (the school as it has) on me," she shared.
Kha has dubbed her speech "It's a Great Day to Be a Spartan," and it will focus on the importance of relationships. "Being at the school isn't about the big events like football games; it's about the people who add meaning to our lives," explained Kha. "It's a great day to be a Spartan because of teachers who spend time learning how to work Zoom and things like that," she said, adding that her thoughts were inspired by the isolation caused by COVID-19 restrictions over the last year. In the fall, Kha will attend Kutztown University to pursue a degree in early childhood education. She said she has appreciated her time at GSHS because of the people she has encountered there. "I have been able to build relationships and go through experiences that have helped me grow as an individual," she said.
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