Eight Lower Dauphin (LD) High School seniors recently announced their commitment to service in the armed forces. The announcements were made at a ceremony at the school on May 31.

Brandon Bibb, the son of Jim Bibb, will join the U.S. Navy. "I will be part of something greater than myself and will have the opportunity to help those who cannot help themselves," he said. Brandon participates in travel soccer and travel baseball.

Joining the U.S. Army is Liam Carver, the son of Brooke and Matthew Carver. "I was intrigued by the stories that were told to me by ex-military personnel," he stated. "I also wish to improve myself and serve my country."

Brandon Davis is joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He is the son of Carrie and Jason Davis and is a member of the marching band, drumline, jazz band and concert band. He also volunteers with Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association and is a member of the school's Believers in the Gospel group. He said his choice was based on his interest in the military and music. "I am a trumpet player, and I want to be the best I can be at what I do," he said, noting that the skill level of the Marines' band interested him.

Domenic DeFrank has committed to the U.S. Army. Domenic is the son of Brandi DeFrank and is a member of the football, wrestling and track and field teams. He said he was interested in the U.S. Army because "I have had family who served in the military."

Isaiah Edmonds has joined the U.S. Air Force, stating, "I want to serve my country." Isaiah is the son of Dianna Celesky and is a member of the football and track and field teams.

Carter Lammando will take part in the Navy ROTC program at the Ohio State University. Carter is the son of Marie Conley and Chris Lammando. He is a member of the two-time state champion boys' volleyball team and secretary and vice president of Student Council. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and Computer Science Honor Society. "I have always wanted to serve my country, and it provides me with free college and leadership opportunities," he stated.

Ada Livingston will join the U.S. Air Force. Ada is the daughter of Brian and Betsy Livingston and is a member of the track and field and girls' tennis teams. She noted that she had family members in the military. "My grandpa served in the Army, and my father and brother served in the U.S. Air Force," she stated.

Elijah Nalesnik will join the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Elijah is the son of Matthew Nalesnik and Lynn Sassaman and is a member of the track and field team. He is also involved with the Young Marines. He said that he wanted to be a part of the military because a large portion of his family has served. "I want to be a part of something larger than myself and help people around the world," he shared.

During the ceremony, the students heard a special message from Charles H. Nelson, a longtime district substitute and tennis coach who previously served in the Marine Corps from 1961 to 1971, attaining the rank of sergeant. They also received certificates of appreciation from the school for their commitment to service and red, white and blue graduation cords for their academic regalia.