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‘When you give back’: Class of 2025 earns diplomas at Lycoming Career and Technology Center

By Lorena Beniquez 3 min read

HUGHESVILLE -- One message resonated throughout the Lycoming Career and Technology Center's (Lyco CTC) 2025 Senior Ceremony -- give back to your community.

"You have the power to shape your community. Success isn't just about what you achieve. It's about what you give." came from Danielle Forker, the keynote speaker, who is a graduate of Lyco CTC and now the senior director of nursing at Geisinger Medical Center Muncy.

On Thursday night at Hughesville High School, the packed auditorium was filled with 90 graduates, along with friends, families and Lyco CTC faculty and staff. Those graduates came from the Benton Area, East Lycoming, Loyalsock Township, Montoursville Area, Muncy and Warrior Run school districts, representing a wide swath of Lycoming County communities.

Graduates completed their studies in automotive technology, computer systems technology, construction technology, criminal justice, culinary arts, health careers and early childhood education. In addition, a portion of the graduates excelled in their studies for inclusion in the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).

One NTHS member was Martina Weaver from the East Lycoming School District, who was named the 2025 Student of the Year. She was chosen for the honor, after a rigorous process. Each instructor nominates one student and subsequently the Student of the Year recipient is chosen based on grades, work ethic and attendance. In addition, the student's participation in opportunities presented by Lyco CTC, for example cooperative job experiences, is taken into consideration.

"The experience you gained here is something that employers value," said Forker.

Forker detailed how those graduates will embark on new journeys now that their time at Lyco CTC has come to an end. According to her, 51% of them will continue their education at colleges, universities and technical schools. In addition, 40% will join the workforce and 9% will serve in the armed forces.

"When you give back, you build stronger connections,' said Forker.

The keynote speaker pointed out that each graduate had help from their instructors, parents, guardians, families and friends. Forker then asked them to pay it forward.

"Each of you is here because someone invested in you," said Forker. "You didn't get here alone."

She challenged graduates to go beyond their professional journey in serving their communities and consider volunteering at non-profits.

After Forker's remarks, graduates took to the stage to receive their certificates, with cheers ringing out throughout the auditorium as each student crossed the stage, most with broad smiles.

One graduate succinctly summed up the vibe of Lyco CTC's 2025 Senior Ceremony. Her graduation cap was ornately adorned with stickers and words attributed to Mahatma Gandhi that read, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

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