RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent The Montoursville Area High School, Class of 2025, processes into Memorial Stadium to begin the 59th annual commencement ceremonies at the school on Thursday, May 5, 2025.

Karleigh McKenna stood before the packed grandstands at Montoursville’s Memorial Stadium and told her classmates to close their eyes to take in the special moment.

“Now open up your eyes and look around,” the 2025 Montoursville Class President said. “We are all graduating today.”

McKenna told the graduates to be bold, to keep their sense of wonder, and to pursue their dreams.

McKenna was among the 150 graduating seniors bidding farewell to their school years on a warm June evening.

Three other graduates offered up their own thoughts on The Class of 2025 theme, “Sun, Moon & Stars.”

Elisabeth Maeulen, class valedictorian, spoke of the sun, its brilliance, warmth, and ever-presence.

“Find what gives you light,” she said. “Let us rise like the sun.”

The sun, she noted, is like the transitions of life. Each day, the sun rises, ushering in a new day full of opportunities.

Addison Confer, class valedictorian, spoke of the moon, how it creeps through the night, dominating the vast dark sky.

Like the moon, with its different illuminating shapes and phases, everyone will face new experiences and changes.

“Remember, you are in charge of what phase you choose,” he said.

He reminded the graduates that President John F. Kennedy set his sights on the U.S. sending the first astronauts to the moon, an accomplishment eventually reached July 20, 1969.

Confer urged his classmates to gaze at the moon and recognize how their school years have changed them.

“The universe is in your hands now,” he said. “Be the light that shines through the night.”

Paige Boyle told her classmates to “shoot for the stars.”

Just as stars shining in the night sky are not created overnight, they too will be formed and shaped in years to come.

“You will make mistakes,” she said.

“Enjoy every second. Go for it. Shoot for the stars.”

Montoursville Superintendent Dan Taormina directed the graduates to reflect on the many people who helped them reach this graduation day.

Quoting the late children’s television show host, Fred Rodgers, famous for spreading the message of caring and kindness, he said, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Make your neighborhood beautiful.”