This is the story of an advocate for agriculture and a theater kid. As members of the Manheim Central High School Class of 2026, who graduated on May 29, John "Nate" Huber and Lilie West represent the hope, ambition and positivity of their classmates as their high school journey comes to an end.

Nate, the son of John and Stephanie Huber of Manheim, has been an active member of the school's FFA chapter and agricultural education program. He's also worked at the Manheim Farm Show and the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and he's employed by two local farms, one focused on poultry and the other on hay and straw.

He will attend Penn State University this fall to study agribusiness management.

"I was about as much of a farm kid as someone could be for someone who didn't grow up on a farm," he said. "I also like to say my parents got me a job for Christmas, and that's how it all started."

When he was 12 years old, Nate began working at a poultry farm at the suggestion of his parents.

"I tried it out, and I loved it," he said of the job he still holds. "Farming is so rewarding. The hard work is unmatched, and it's so rewarding to see all the benefits of the hard work you put in."

Through FFA, Nate began considering college. He's been inspired by numerous teachers, including Allyson Heckman, his FFA adviser.

"Mrs. Heckman has high expectations, and that was something I needed, somebody to push me further than what I thought possible," he said. "I had the opportunity to take legislative trips to advocate for agriculture, and that put the idea of being an advocate into my mind."

While FFA and agriculture dominated Nate's high school years, Lilie found herself on the school's stage.

"I've been in every show Manheim has done during my four years of high school as well as my eighth-grade year," she said. "I've also been president of the Thespian Honor Society since sophomore year."

Lilie, the daughter of Derek and Laurie West of Mount Joy, originally wanted to be a lawyer when she grew up, but her experience at Manheim Central changed her career path.

"I've always loved English," she said. "I've always enjoyed literature, and I try to read as much as I can. I believe it makes you more aware of the world around you."

Like Nate, she found inspiration and support from numerous teachers at Manheim Central, but she also credits her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Thomas, for setting her on a path toward the humanities.

"I used to write silly little books, and she would read them and put a lot of thought into what I was doing," Lilie recalled. "She'd help me with my grammar, my storylines, how I could improve my writing, and I'm really grateful for that."

Lilie will attend Lebanon Valley College in the fall, where she plans to major in secondary English education with a minor in musical theater.

"I can't see myself doing anything else other than sharing the love I have for English," she said.

She's the first person in her family to attend college, and she intentionally chose Lebanon Valley because the small school reminded her of the close-knit Manheim community.

Nate agreed, adding, "I'm a people person. I find a lot of value in being kind to everybody and friendly with everybody. I'm going to miss having a community of people I grew up with around me. This place feels like home."

Both Nate and Lilie remain optimistic about what's in store for them.

"I'm most excited about all the new opportunities that are coming," Nate said. "I asked for a piece of advice from the seniors when I was a freshman in FFA, and they said, 'Don't say no.' So that's exactly what I did, and it's led me to some really amazing places."

Lilie said she feels blessed to attend college and that she's focused on one step at a time.

"I like to look at the smaller accomplishments that can lead to a larger goal, rather than getting anxious about what could happen," she said.

Above all, Lilie said, if she could give advice to students just starting high school, she'd remind them to never give up.

"It's always important to keep going and keep trying for what you really want," she said. "Even if you don't get it, it doesn't mean that you're not good enough or you're not talented. It just means this wasn't the opportunity for you and you need to continue trying."

And both students stress the importance of working hard to achieve goals.

"My dad is the hardest worker I know," Lilie said, noting that she also sees the effort her mom puts in. "I see how hard my parents work in everyday life, and I'm proud to be able to say I work as hard as they do to get what I want."

Nate simply added, "You need to trust that hard work pays off."