Elizabethtown Area High School's Class of 2023 celebrated graduation on May 25 at the LCBC Manheim campus. Luke Risser was named valedictorian, and Andrea Rodriguez was named salutatorian.

"Our class ... has had a complicated four years of high school," Luke told his fellow classmates in his speech. "On top of the complications of the pandemic, we found ourselves in the midst of one of the most complicated periods of our lives." He talked about class loads, jobs, extracurricular activities and trying to figure out life after high school. He also urged his peers to focus on simplicity when things seem complicated.

"As we enter the more complicated world of adulthood, simplicity might sound like an outdated or childish idea," he stated. "But I believe that simplicity can still be found in this stage of life, and it might even be exactly what we need."

Luke quoted football coach Lou Holtz in his speech, focusing on the four things Holtz said everyone needs. These are something to do, someone to love, something to believe in and something to hope for.

"Whenever I've been anxious about my future or frustrated with the way some things are in this world, my faith in God has given me peace of mind," Luke said. "I know that my hope is found in greater things than my earthly worries. When life gets complicated, having a belief system to turn to simplifies things, restoring a sense of perspective about what is truly important."

Andrea spoke about how senior year is a unique time because it's filled with both firsts and lasts, all packed into a few short months. She also referred to the pandemic's influence on the class and emphasized that the Class of 2023 is strong. "It is individuals such as you and me who wield the power to inspire positive change in others and fearlessly advocate for what is right," she said. "Never let anyone tell you that you are not important enough to make a difference. Big change comes from individuals who are brave enough to voice their opinions and ideas, no matter how small they may seem."

She cautioned against complacency and living life only for the milestones. "It is what we do with the time in between these significant moments that infuses meaning into our lives and to occasions like this," she said. "Therefore, I urge each and every one of you to relentlessly pursue your passions, spend time with the people you love and make a lasting impact in your community."

Concluding her speech, Andrea asked her classmates to close their eyes and imagine their younger selves in kindergarten. "Think about how proud kindergarten you would be of the person you've become," she said. "Now open your eyes, and with the joy of a kindergartner, let's congratulate our classmates and accept our diplomas because we're finally high school graduates."