PVHS Celebrates 2020 Graduates
According to a letter sent to Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) seniors and parents in early May by principal John Trovato and assistant principal Amy Koberstein, the Class of 2020 entered the school four years ago with a "positive reputation," and, during the time the learners attended, they "demonstrated that (their) reputation was deserved." "Your resilience in the face of adversity, your empathy and kindness toward others, and your actions as leaders in this community have remained constant during your high school career," the two wrote in the letter. "The events you have faced as a class this year have only seemed to strengthen your resolve and bring you closer together."
The letter acknowledged that COVID-19 restrictions would make a traditional graduation ceremony for the 112 seniors on Thursday, May 28, impossible, but it also went on to detail how the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) plans to use traditional and virtual components to provide graduates, families, administrators, faculty, and community members with a unique graduation experience. In addition, the district is planning a "Celebration of the Class of 2020" event for Saturday, Aug. 1, if the area has entered the "green" category as per state authorities. Any community member who would like to help support this event may contact amy_koberstein@pequeavalley.org.
Virtual graduation day was held on May 22, with seniors receiving diplomas in a drive-through event. Graduation speakers included Kolby Bills, Robert Murphy, and Hope Fisher.
Kolby is the son of Larry and Ginger Bills of Paradise. The title of his speech is "Inspire and Be Brave." In his speech, he urged the other members of the PVHS Class of 2020 not to let fear hold them back. "Be brave enough to take a new path. Step out of your comfort zone and reach for your dreams. Leave a legacy that will inspire those around you to live up to the dream that you've set as a reality," he shared. In the fall, Kolby will attend Cairn University in Langhorne to study political science and criminal justice.
Robert is the son of Timothy and Stacie Murphy of Paradise. His speech, called "Perseverance as a Tool for Success," explored the road ahead for his fellow class members. "Life is like one big marathon. In order to be successful, you have to pace yourself," Robert told them via the video. In the fall, Robert plans to attend Millersville University, where he will pursue a bachelor's degree in music education.
Hope is the daughter of Omar and Michelle Fisher of Paradise. The title of her speech is "Bright Lights," and in it, Hope encouraged her classmates to be beacons to others. "Wherever you are headed, and whatever your future may hold ... find your own inner light and share it with the world," she urged. In the fall, she plans to attend Lebanon Valley Honors College to major in business administration.
One unique aspect of the PVHS graduation exercises is a visit from Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) superintendent Eric Orndorff, Trovato, Koberstein, and music teacher Nathan Bankert. Starting May 23, the four have been visiting seniors in a coordinated program called "Operation Graduation House Call," which offers students a personalized send-off. "The idea was completely out of the box," said Koberstein, who noted that a house call included a two- to three-minute ceremony during which Orndorff talked about what it means to be a PVHS Brave, Trovato and Koberstein spoke about the specific learner's time at the school, and Bankert sang the school alma mater.
The top 25 learners in the class were honored during an electronic event held on May 21.
On Thursday, May 28, a Cruise for the Class of 2020 is slated to take place. Students will meet at the stadium parking lot and cruise the campus and other areas of the district in parade fashion.
The video of the graduation of the PVHS Class of 2020 is scheduled to be posted on YouTube at 6:30 p.m. on May 28. The link to the video will be shared at http://www.pequeavalley.org/pvhs.
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