When Garden Spot High School (GSHS), 669 E. Main St., New Holland, graduates 240 members of the Class of 2022 on Wednesday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium, two students will have prepared speeches to present to their classmates, their families, and the members of the faculty. The two seniors were chosen from about seven students who auditioned in front of the entire faculty.
Jewel Boninu, daughter of Jennifer and Steve Boninu of Narvon, titled her speech "The Blessing of Change." "I have struggled with adapting to change my whole life," confessed Boninu. "So my speech is about how (change) is necessary and how we can't really grow without it." She added that in her speech she says that comfort can often be found in the small things that stay the same when big things are changing.
After graduation, Boninu plans to attend West Chester University to study sports medicine with a focus in athletic training.
She said that her time at GSHS has been marked by a strong sense of community. "I have a place that I will forever belong," she said.
Amanda Wolfe is the daughter of Brenda Wolfe of Narvon. Wolfe titled her speech "A Thanks for Now and Always." "I really wanted to address those who have helped me and my peers," she explained. "I thank the parents, the teachers, the faculty, and especially friends, and I speak to how we as a community got through high school and COVID-19 (restrictions) together." Wolfe noted that her speech pays special attention to the bonds students have with the community. "Now we are on different paths in life, but we still have each other," she said. "I (offer) a few words of encouragement, (pointing out that) as we leave on our separate paths, we know we have that comfort in each other still."
Wolfe will leave the area to attend West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va., in the fall. She plans to major in forensic examination with hopes of working in law enforcement.
She said that her time at GSHS fulfilled several needs. "It provided me with a new family," she said, adding that she attended multiple schools before settling at GSHS. "Garden Spot provided me with the foundation I needed for success in the future," Wolfe stated.
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