Despite a prediction of rain, which held off, the Upper Perkiomen High School held an outside commencement ceremony for its 2024 graduating seniors on June 5.
As family, friends, and well-wishers watched anxiously, Upper Perkiomen School Superintendent Allyn Roche conferred hard-earned diplomas on graduating seniors. Roche praised the graduating seniors as the best of Upper Perkiomen. He said they set a high bar for success. He noted they will always rise above adversity.
Roche recognized the achievements of students who attended the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center. He noted they have set a high standard for excellence. He lauded the students who volunteered their time with emergency and police services.
The superintendent praised the graduates who will soon enlist in the United States military.
He reminded the seniors that their educational path was assisted by their parents, teachers, and counselors and suggested the graduates thank their educational support network.
Roche requested visitors to the ceremony give the graduates a standing ovation and added, "Everyone deserves a standing ovation at least once in their lives."
Dr. Roche concluded his remarks by congratulating the seniors on their achievement.
High school Principal Frank Flanagan remarked that graduation will create memories for years to come. Flanagan noted the graduates had many firsts ahead of them.
"You are a unique, dedicated, and talented group. Go for your goals even when they are difficult," he said.
Flanagan finished his remarks by paraphrasing an old Irish blessing, "May your successes be many and your hardships few."
Senior Class President Rachel Landis reminded her classmates that perception is not reality. She suggested seniors should forget other people's perceptions of themselves and create their own reality.
Vice President Alexa Sefing suggested the seniors look to the future. She said, "No one knows you better than you know yourself. Take care of yourself."
Kyra Schmoyer, Senior Class Treasurer, noted school is hard, but the class made it. She said, "We grew, we changed, and we got better."
School Board President Melanie Cunningham, prior to handing the seniors their diplomas, recognized and honored the Class of 2024. Once all the graduates were announced, the class switched the tassels on their caps from right to left.
As the graduation ceremony concluded, the sun burst through the silhouette of clouds. Some might say it was an omen of success for the graduates.