When the members of the Class of 2023 graduated from Eastern York High School on May 31, the Golden Knights present heard speeches from three of their peers - valedictorian Jessica Lynn Rose, salutatorian Daniel Graham Slater and senior class president Cameron Elizabeth Wolf.

Jessica is the daughter of John and Sherry Rose of Hellam. At Eastern York, she was an executive officer of Student Council and served as president of the Interact Club. She also competed in Science Olympiad, played soccer and managed the football and basketball teams. She plans to attend Wake Forest University to major in health and exercise science and biology on the pre-med track. Jessica's speech talked about taking the life lessons learned in high school and applying them to the future. "Every class mattered," she said, "but there was much more to be learned than just the content." She advised her fellow graduates to acknowledge their support systems. "Be grateful for the people throughout your life who have helped you get to where you are," she remarked. "Strive to do your best, but only compare yourself to your past self."

Daniel is the son of Michael and Maggie Slater and the brother of Isabella Slater of Wrightsville. His activities during high school included serving as National Honor Society president and yearbook club secretary and treasurer. Outside of school, he created a youth boxing class and co-founded the Elizabethtown Fitness and Performance Gardening Club. His post-graduation plans include attending Villanova University, with the goal of earning a master's degree in electrical engineering.

"The purpose of my speech was not to preach to my classmates how to be successful," Daniel said. "Instead, I opted to encourage them to embrace some core values. ... I advised them to always contribute their utmost effort to everything they do, even if that means facing great difficulty or failure."

As for advice for his peers, Daniel remarked, "A person's social network is one of his or her greatest tools in life, and networks can only be built upon strong connections that must start somewhere. On that note, always seize a good opportunity when you see one. Work extremely hard for what you want, and for what you know will help elevate others, but be patient for the results. Good things come to those who wait ... while working hard."

Cameron, the daughter of Lucas and Tricia Wolf of Hellam, was a member of the varsity soccer and football teams and participated in both the National Honor Society and Student Council. "My speech was about how we need to go out into the world and love one another," she said. She plans to attend Lancaster Bible College and major in business administration and biblical studies. Her advice for her classmates is simple: "to love one another like Jesus loves us."