MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Members of Hughesville High School Class of 2025 applaud one of the speakers during the school's 132nd Annual Commencement at the school's gymnasium Friday night.

The East Lycoming School District held its 132nd commencement ceremony Friday, June 6 at the Hughesville Jr/Sr High School. Over 100 seniors convened to celebrate the end of their high school journey, as their families, friends and school faculty joined to celebrate the milestone.

Due to sporadic rain showers that day, the ceremony was moved from the football field to the high school gym, which was filled to capacity.

While the Hughesville High School Band played “Pomp and Circumstance Traditional,” the crowd rose from their seats, as the 2025 class entered the gym. There were yelps of encouragement from the audience, hands clapping and bouquets of flowers being waved in the air.

Karley Smith, class president and National Honor Society member, gave a heartfelt speech, while trying to hold back tears.

“This is the last time we are here as one,” said Smith.

Addressing her fellow Spartans, robed in green and white gowns, Smith’s words touched on the bittersweet feeling graduating can present.

“I feel so lucky to have had all of you by my side…I will miss seeing your faces,” she said.

“Class of 2025, thank you for making these years unforgettable.”

Class salutatorian and National Honor Society member, Keagan Smith, shared words of encouragement for the graduates’ future.

“Ninety percent of life is simply showing up,” he said, crediting his father for sharing this wisdom with him when he was younger. “I found this to be true,” added Keagan.

Minutes before the class of 2025 crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, Maya Snyder, class valedictorian and National Honor Society member, praised her classmates.

“We should be proud of the accomplishment we achieved. We have made it to the beginning of a new era in our lives,” said Snyder. “Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Live authentically as yourselves.”

Graduates will be met with new journeys that will include entering the workforce, joining the military or heading off to colleges and universities. Some graduation caps were adorned with the graduates’ future schools, with Penn State University featured on a few. To help with the cost of continuing their education, over 100 scholarships from area small businesses and nonprofits were earned by seniors.

Keagan offered encouraging words saying, “I wish you all success. Have fun and appreciate each moment where life takes you next.”