Each of our inductees has shown us what it means to rise to the occasion, to push beyond our limits and lead by example, not only in their athletic accomplishments but in their character and dedication they have carried with them in every aspect of their life," said Jonathan Propper, principal of Octorara Junior-Senior High School when describing the three graduates that were inducted in the Octorara Sports of Hall of Fame on Sept. 20.

The inductees are wrestling standout Brandon Arnsberger, Class of 2012, who is now a successful surgeon; track star and Octorara track coach Kendel Dixon, Class of 2005; and swimmer Cierra Runge, Class of 2014, who is an Olympic gold medalist.

After a welcome provided by senior class president Delaney Amole, Octorara students read biographies of each of the inductees. Student Sebastian Hess provided the biographical details for Arnsberger, citing Arnsberger's many accomplishments as a high school and college wrestler. Arnsberger graduated cum laude from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor of Science in premedical biology and graduated with honors in the top 10% of his class from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is now in his third year of surgical residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Arnsberger's father, James Arnsberger Jr., accepted the award on his son's behalf, noting that his son averages 110 hours of work per week.

Dixon was introduced by student Connor Capotrio, who listed Dixon's many high school track and college accomplishments at Kutztown University, where he was also a coach. After returning to Octorara, Dixon helped guide Octorara's 400-meter athletes to a PIAA District 3 AAA fourth-place finish.

After thanking his family members and Octorara teachers and coaches for their support, Dixon offered a message to the students. "I urge you to dream as big as you can and never allow others to step on your dreams. If you love it and want it, work for it," he stated. "Go out there and live your life to the fullest." He also shared his personal slogan, "Dream big, work hard and pray often."

Runge was introduced by student Madalyn Muldoon. Runge's career in collegiate swimming included the University of California - Berkeley, the University of Wisconsin - Madison and Arizona State University. She had success at high school, college and international competitions, culminating in her representing Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where she secured a gold medal in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay.

Runge accepted the award while sporting her Olympic gold medal. She encouraged the students to consider all the avenues of the future that are open to them. "High school is a time of exploration where we start to think seriously about what we want from life and understand what drives us. For me, that drive was the dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist," she said. "That dream seemed distant and out of reach, but it ignited a fire in me that never went out. One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to pursue what sets your soul on fire."

Propper also offered closing remarks, encouraging students to be inspired by the inductees. "To you, our current students, these inductees were once just like you," he stated. "They were not born champions. They became champions through perseverance, hard work and the relentless pursuit of their goals. I challenge you to follow in their footsteps and create your own legacy. The qualities that Brandon, Kendel and Cierra embody ... are the same traits that will help you rise to greatness. Your journey begins now, and your legacy is waiting to be written."

The Octorara chorale was also on hand at the event to sing the school's alma mater and "The Star-Spangled Banner." To view a complete list of the inductees' accomplishments and to watch a video of the event in its entirety, visit the "Octorara Area School District's Official Facebook Page."