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Montgomery holds commencement for Class of 2025

By Lorena Beniquez 3 min read

Montgomery Area High School's 2025 graduating class was cheered on Friday night as more than 60 students received their diplomas. Commencement ceremonies were relocated from the football field to the Montgomery Area School District Athletic and Community Center because of forecasted rain, which made for a packed event.

Before entering the ceremony, graduates fist-bumped Mike Snyder, director of athletics.

"This is an exciting time for them," said Snyder.

The robed students then passed through two columns of red, black and white balloons down an aisle to their seats. All the while, the Montgomery High School Concert Band performed "Pomp and Circumstance," as students marched towards their future.

"Whatever you end up doing, do it the best you can," said Dylan C. Hill, class valedictorian, as he addressed the crowd.

Hill summed up what some graduates may have been feeling.

"It seems to have ended so abruptly...I am scared, excited and a little bit lost," he succinctly said.

Emily A.C. Geiger, class salutatorian, addressed the audience next and said, "Embrace your unique strengths and individual paths."

Those paths will include secondary education, entering the workforce or joining the military for most.

Students selected for outstanding achievement awards included Kurrah Bohner, Hill, Alexis Boyer, Geiger, Quinn Lynch and Landyn Rine.

Additional students earned scholarships for their future endeavors, which were granted by area nonprofits and small businesses, such as Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarships, Repasz Band Award and Montgomery Broad Street Car & Pet Wash, to name a few. All together, over 60 scholarships were granted to the 2025 class.

No matter which path graduates choose, they will be met with the opportunity to define who they are.

"Don't avoid challenges and meet them head on," advised keynote speaker Thomas E. Flick, a 2007 Montgomery graduate and former teacher at the high school.

His sentiment went beyond future career paths to include graduate's personal journeys.

"Take time this summer to enjoy your accomplishments. You are stepping out into the world...Choose hobbies and activities that make you feel accomplished," said Flick. "Choose you."

The keynote speaker challenged students to embark on a list activities including reading, practicing yoga or exploring nature. As a hiker, the latter is personal to Flick. While he was with the school district, Flick established the first hiking club.

As graduates waited to cross the stage and receive their diplomas, they were met with thoughts of memories and ones soon to be made. The 2025's class motto implored them, "Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose." The quote came from Henry Cejudo, a professional mixed martial artist.

Hill embraced the dreams ahead by saying, "We are now able to write our own stories ...Make the most of it."

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