GSHS to hold commencement ceremony

When Garden Spot High School (GSHS), 669 E. Main St., New Holland, graduates more than 225 members of the Class of 2023 on Wednesday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium, three students will have prepared speeches to present to their classmates, their families, and the members of the faculty. The three were chosen from several students who auditioned to speak.

Grace McCarty is the daughter of Toni and Tim McCarty of New Holland. Grace titled her speech "Make It a Great Day - The Choice Is Yours," and she said she was inspired by New Holland Elementary School principal Sue Sneath, who made the comment to students daily when Grace attended school there. "She made a large impact on our (elementary school) class, and I wanted to make that impact on our (Class of 2023) in the final moment with them," shared Grace. In the fall, Grace plans to attend Penn State University Park. She has not decided on a major, but she is leaning toward focusing on elementary education. Grace said that her time at GSHS has made a lasting impact on her because of the connection to community that was created.

Sarah Babb is the daughter of Kendra and Charles Babb of Narvon. She has called her speech "Remember Your Roots." "My speech encourages people to remember that they wouldn't be where they are today or in the future without Garden Spot (High School)," relayed Sarah, "whether it be the people who were here or the opportunities GSHS gave us." In the fall, Sarah plans to attend Widener University in Chester to major in nursing. "My end goal is to become a nurse practitioner," Sarah reported. She stated that her time at GSHS has been marked by good memories and relationships. "I met some of my best friends here, and I can genuinely say I am proud of where I went to high school," she noted.

Mati Lanteri Sterza is an exchange student with the ERDT SHARE! High School Exchange Program. She is the daughter of Paola Sterza and Filippo Lanteri of Italy. Her American house parents are Brenda and Gary Hornberger of Bowmansville. Mati's speech is called "My American Dream," and in it she will talk about her experiences in the U.S. "I will tell the truth about something that is not commonly said," she noted. "American high school is not easy, but it's up to you (to do the work that's necessary)." When the school year ends, Mati will return to Italy to complete her fifth and final year of high school. After finishing high school, she hopes to study graphic communications in Florence. She is grateful for her time at GSHS. "I got to know incredible people who shaped the person I am today," she said.

Tickets are necessary to attend the graduation ceremony.