Michael Cummins gives his salutatorian address.
Abington Heights graduates celebrate with cigars. From left, are Caden Casal, Aidan Stoughton and Timothy Allen.
Graduate Paige Holgate receives her diploma from school board president Warren Acker.
AJ Abington Heights graduation photos 4: Abington Heights graduates throw their caps in the air.
Christopher Adonizio gives his valedictorian address.
CLARKS SUMMIT — There were nearly 300 graduating seniors in Abington Heights High School’s Class of 2023.
A cloudy sky with a little rain caused the commencement ceremony on Friday, June 9, to be moved from the usual location – the Pitt Field – to the school’s gymnasium. Because of the big turnout, some of the attendees watched the ceremony in the auditorium via streaming video.
The commencement began with an introduction by class president Nicholas Booth. Reciting a quote from “A Wrinkle in Time” author Madeleine L’Engle, he lets his fellow graduates know that growing up is to accept vulnerability.
“It is only by being vulnerable through which we can learn and grow,” he said. “To succeed in whatever endeavor may be, you must take the risk of being vulnerable, of asking questions, of being wrong,” he said.
Booth said that there is nothing his class can’t achieve.
“As you go off into an ever-changing world, it’s important to remember you’re more than fair. You are tenacious. You are curious. You are optimistic. Class of 2023, this is our time.”
Next to speak was salutatorian Michael Cummins. He said that all of the graduates’ experiences in high school were the result of them taking action.
“If we simply sat back and waited for things to happen to us, none of us would be sitting here today,” he said. “Through our four years, I learned that life doesn’t happen to you. Life comes from you. If you want something, you need to go and get it. If you seek fulfillment, you need to take action to achieve it.”
Cummins encouraged the graduates to value every experience whether it’s happy or sad.
“Every day, we are given the most generous and profound gift that could be give to us – a new start, another chance, an opportunity to make a difference, to appreciate life, to be the best version of ourselves.”
Senior class secretary Emma Ratchford introduced valedictorian Christopher Adonizio, who is the president of the soccer club and National Honor Society and captain of the speech and debate team. Adonizio’s valedictorian speech was an attempt to inspire graduates to attempt new things that they haven’t tried before.
“As we move on to this next part of our lives, let’s be reminded to be passionately curious,” he said. “So many of us found something we love to do in high school by trying something new. We have learned as as class over our successes and failures. Many people in the class are talented. We have amazing artists, star athletes like our track team that broke the school record for the first time in 41 years, history buffs, and future businesses. Let us remember to seize spontaneous opportunities and try new experiences even though they may be scary.”
