JESSICA WATSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Above, Sofia Mileto, Kendall Chick, Lucy Tripp, Jenine Ghayyada and Lauren O’Malley. Below, Valedictorian Abigail Pietraski and Salutatorian Samantha Hauke with their parents.

Though the threat of inclement pushed the 64th Commencement Ceremony for the Loyalsock Township High School indoors, tears of joy rained down nonetheless as loved ones watched the graduates cross the stage into adulthood.

“It captures not just the conclusion of this chapter, but the beginning of something far greater. It’s a celebration of a moment in time, a snapshot that will live forever,” high school Principal Stephen Hafele said.

“You are ready to lead, to create, question and to contribute. The world beyond Loyalsock awaits your energy, your voice and your vision. Never doubt the impact you can make,” he urged the graduates.

“You’ve made our school district a better place. You set examples for future Loyalsock graduates. We know that you’re ready for the next step of your journey,” district Superintendent Gerald McLaughlin said.

“We are confident you will succeed. You have the ability to achieve your hopes and dreams,” he said.

Class President Lauren O’Malley then took to the stage to encourage her fellow graduates to never stop pushing their own boundaries.

“Our class has limitless potential in so many different areas, and I believe that our class has the ability to make headlines and cover pages,” O’Malley said, referencing the class theme, “The Lancer Times.”

“I can’t wait to see what everyone’s story holds and watch everyone make covers, features and headlines,” she said.

“When it comes to the rest of our lives, there are many more headlines to come, and each headline will be different, although we will all have different stories, whether they be complex or simple, we all share a common magazine cover titled The Lancer times, the class of 2025,” Valedictorian Abigail Pietraski said.

“I can’t wait to see the great accomplishment you all achieve,” she told the graduates.

Student Brianna Helmrich focused her speech not on the future, but on the occasion itself.

“This moment isn’t just the end of high school, it’s the pause before everything changes, the why, before the next beginning. And while the world may not be watching, we know how much this moment means,” she said.

“One day, we’ll look back and realize this wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a turning point. The kind of moment that doesn’t need a headline to matter, because today, time didn’t just pass. It stood still just long enough for us to remember what it felt like to be here,” Helmrich said.

Salutatorian Samantha Hauke stressed the dedication to community embodied by the graduating class.

“As we close this publication covering our years here at Loyalsock Township High School, let’s look forward to building a prosperous future. I’m proud to be part of the graduate class with so many people willing to devote their careers to helping others,” she said.

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Wade Mitcheltree next shared his words of wisdom with the graduates, including hard truths as well as encouragement.

A 1998 graduate of the district, Mitcheltree served a tour in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, until he was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device near Kandahar, Afghanistan, in August 2012. As a result of the attack, Mitcheltree would lose his right leg above the knee, his left leg below the knee and and his right arm below the elbow, according to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

“Whether you have planned out the next 10 years of your path, or if you’re just taking it one step at a time, it’s okay. Everybody does it at their own pace. It takes time to find your passion sometimes, but one thing’s for sure, the possibilities are endless,” Mitcheltree said.

“There may also be a setback, but that’s life, you’re going to get through it,” he added.

“But with all the effort that you put into overcoming each obstacle, you’ll gain even more confidence and new skills to get you through your chosen journey,” Mitcheltree stressed.

At the conclusion of his speech, Mitcheltree received an extended standing ovation.

Just prior to the graduates receiving their respective diplomas, the symbolic first diploma was delivered to Hafele and high school Vice-Principal Richard Cummings by Batman and Robin in a pre-recorded video, courtesy of 1976 district graduate Tom Woodruff Jr., whose replica of the classic 1966 Batmobile was used in the skit.

Class of 2025 officers, Sofia Mileto, Kendall Chick, Lucy Tripp, Jenine Ghayyada and Lauren O’Malley, then presented a mural designed and painted by members of the class to honor their late Spanish teacher Sabrina Nolan, affectionately known as Señorita Nolan, who passed away August 9, 2024.

“Señorita Nolan was more than an educator. She was a light. Her laughter lifted us, her belief in us pushed us forward, and her compassion made us feel seen, heard and deeply cared for. Her classroom was a safe haven filled with joy, music and love,” said Ghayyada.

“Love in a school setting fosters a sense of belonging, reduces anxiety and encourages empathy, helping students grow, not just as learners, but compassionate individuals,” Mileto said.

Ghayyada then described the mural in detail.

“Marigolds bloom joy and remembrance, just like the joy she brought into our lives. Yellow roses celebrate the friendships and happiness she gave us so freely. Gladiolus stand for her strength and unwavering integrity. And butterflies, symbols of transformation and hope, remind us how she helped us grow,” she said.

“Though she’s not here in body, her spirit is woven into everything we are. This mural speaks where words cannot. Señorita Nolan, we miss you, we love you, and we carry you with us always,” Ghayyada concluded.