On June 1, the Hempfield High School (HHS) Class of 2021 was honored for its educational achievement at the HHS commencement ceremony. The event took place at the high school's Georgelis Law Firm Stadium, 340 Mumma Drive, Landisville. Approximately 525 students graduated from HHS.

This year's valedictorian is the president of the senior class, Mili Ramani. The other nine of the Class of 2021's top 10 students were also recognized: Anne Akbar, Melissa Caracciolo, Regan Gillisse, Lilly Heilshorn, Colin Meldrum, Dillon Otto, Bridget Reheard, Claudia Schmitz, and Lily Wernoch.

Two weeks prior to the commencement ceremony, Ramani and vice president Markella Vassil reflected on their time at HHS with the Merchandiser.

Merchandiser: How did your senior year go?

Ramani: For the first three-quarters of the school year, I was virtual. I had a sort of disconnect, which was difficult, but when I went back, I realized how much I missed being there in person. I was able to focus more once I was actively engaging in the classroom. It was really nice coming back to see everyone.

Vassil: I've been in person all year. I would say my favorite part was getting to come to school on the first day because we went so long without seeing our classmates, our friends, even our teachers. It was a very memorable part of the year.

Merchandiser: Is there anything you want to tell the Class of 2021?

Ramani: This year has been weird and difficult to say the least, but I'm so proud of everyone for pushing through it and finishing high school. It's a big milestone, probably one of the first ones we reach, and I'm glad that we were able to get there together.

Vassil: There has been so much uncertainty this year, but our class has done a great job handling everything.

Merchandiser: What will you miss most about high school?

Ramani: I'm an immigrant from India and I moved to Hempfield in sixth grade, and I've had an amazing experience. I felt so welcome from the very beginning, and everyone has been so supportive. I'm going to miss the community because it's like a big family. I love it here.

Vassil: I think I'm going to miss our teachers and the environment that Hempfield creates. It's such a good, healthy, and friendly environment. I would also like to thank our administration for giving us an in-person commencement. Our administration has been trying so hard to give us a good senior year and I thank them for everything they've done. After hearing that we were going to have an in-person commencement, that really motivated me and gave me that light at the end of the tunnel. They did their best to give us the best year we could have, given the circumstances.

After graduating from HHS, Ramani will attend Johns Hopkins University for biomedical engineering and pre-med with the goal of becoming a doctor. Vassil will attend Temple University and major in exercise science.