Lampeter-Strasburg High School held its commencement ceremony on May 29 on Pioneer Field at JK Mechanical Stadium. Two hundred twenty-three graduates walked across the stage to collect their diplomas, including class valedictorian Titus Lingenfelter, who plans to attend Penn State University; salutatorian Carlos Berrios, who will attend Franklin & Marshall College; and third-in-class Jack Kirchner, who plans to attend Penn State University.

The ceremony began with opening remarks, titled "Success Without Losing Yourself," by Gaurab Gautam, a member of the Class of 2026, along with remarks by principal Benjamin Feeney. Taline Al Kurdi, Class of 2026, presented the keynote address, "End of Beginning." Kevin Peart, superintendent, presented the class, and Melissa Herr, school board president, presented the diplomas. Class president Addison Boyd gave the closing remarks.

Students have a variety of post-high school plans, with 68% pursuing postsecondary education, 3% entering the military, 18% entering the workforce, and 11% undecided or following other paths.

In addition to Boyd, the class officers are Julia Knapp, vice president; Mitchell Swarr, secretary; and Shrey Singh, treasurer. Boyd will head to Brigham Young University and is considering an exercise science major, while Knapp will enter the University of Pittsburgh's 3+3 program to fast-track her path to becoming a criminal defense attorney. Swarr will join the United States Army, and Singh will study finance at Indiana University Bloomington.

The officers all have deep roots in the district. Boyd and Swarr have been Lampeter-Strasburg students since kindergarten, and Knapp and Singh joined in elementary school. Over the years, their favorite high school memories have been defined by connection. Singh pointed to four years on the lacrosse team, and Boyd remembered accompanying the school choir on the piano. For Knapp, traveling with the varsity mock trial club to tournaments at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State solidified her love for her future alma mater, while Swarr enjoyed the energy of school pep rallies.

When asked what makes Lampeter-Strasburg special, the officers agreed it is all about the community and the faculty. Singh noted that it seems like the whole town turns out for Friday night football games. Knapp emphasized the bonds forged with teachers who go above and beyond, acknowledging English teacher Brian Fisher and social studies teacher Jeffrey Houck for their guidance and encouragement. The officers also mentioned math teacher John Achille, science teacher Bronston Sterner, English teacher Carole Allen-Gordon, and social studies teacher Christy McCanna. On the athletics side, Swarr credited physical education teacher and wrestling coach Derrick Morgan with teaching him resilience.

The officers also praised the district's hands-on learning opportunities, including Knapp's career path work-study with Judge Spahn at the county courthouse and Swarr's time spent working at Lampeter Elementary School with first-grade teacher Suzanne Mannix.

The officers all agreed that the defining characteristic of their graduating class is how well everyone gets along. Boyd noted a lack of social division, and Singh pointed to the class's varied achievements, from successful sports teams to a quiz bowl team headed to nationals in June.