Solanco School District (SSD) honored 250 graduating seniors at its 2022 commencement ceremony on June 8. The event, held at the Solanco High School football stadium, featured speeches from the administrators, students, and a guest speaker. The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Young Marines of Lancaster County and the singing of the national anthem by students Holden Green, Lilia McHugh, Aden Jackson, Gwenyth Welk, and Cassandra Wright.

Students and supporters were welcomed by district superintendent Brian A. Bliss. In his remarks, Bliss advised graduates not to focus on the past few years but rather look at the body of accomplishments from kindergarten to the present. "In those years between then and now, you've had some successes, some setbacks. You've had some course-corrections. You may actually have had some sharp turns, he said. "All of that, however, led you to this moment here tonight."

Bliss went on to encourage the gathering, saying, "I know the challenges of the past few years may dominate your remembrance of school. You will also face challenges after tonight, but you're ready for those. Absolutely, you are."

The distinguished speaker for the 2022 commencement ceremony was retired Swift Middle School teacher Blake Deibler, who taught at Solanco for 34 years. He also served as a part-time pastor at Wesley Church in Quarryville for the last 19 years of his career. After his retirement in 2012, Deibler became a full-time pastor and is still the lead pastor at Wesley Church.

Deibler's speech focused on "What Goes Around, Comes Around." Although typically thought of with a negative connotation, Deiber pointed out that this saying should be looked at positively. "Here's what I'm believing about this Class of 2022: You can be the generation that can start sowing kindness, sowing gentleness, sowing a care for one another so that what goes around comes around."

Salutatorian Owen Brazelton gave the evening's first student speech. Brazelton looked back on being diagnosed with a lemon-sized brain tumor in eighth grade and the kindness shown to him during his battle, which included surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and a long recovery. "The experience taught me the value of shaping one's future to benefit the lives of others, to feel their joy radiating back on you," he remarked. "And so I encourage you all to consider a life of service."

Solanco High School principal Scott Long took the stage to honor visual arts teacher Kesse Humphreys, who was chosen by the graduating students as the teacher they felt had impacted their lives the most. Humphreys received a white graduation gown signed by members of the class of 2022. Forty-five teachers received votes, with Humphreys coming out on top.

Class of 2022 valedictorian Madison Mosley addressed the gathering about setting a standard and then exceeding it. " If there's one thing I've learned over the past four years, at some point, you need to ignore what everyone else is doing and achieving. We get caught up in the competition and comparison ... and forget to simply live." Mosley continued, "Life is about breaking your own limits and outgrowing yourself to live your own life. ... Plan to outdo your past, not other people."

Bliss, Long, and school board president Craig Chubb awarded 250 diplomas before the final speaker was introduced.

Four-year class president Trent Henry reminisced about the years he and his classmates spent together as a group. "In our class full of 250 personalities and traits, there was no absence of joy, passion, and creativity," he stated. "I am beyond proud to say I was part of this amazing group." On that final note, Henry directed the graduates to turn their tassels. And with a 3, 2, 1 countdown, caps were enthusiastically thrown in the air.

Search for "Solanco High School - Class of 2022 - Graduation Ceremony" on http://www.youtube.com to view the ceremony.