TOWER CITY — Neal Graziano didn’t stay away too long.
The former district business teacher returned to Williams Valley High School on Thursday to serve as guest speaker for the 51st annual commencement held in the gymnasium.
He even returned to help chaperone the senior class trip because he appreciated the attitude of the Class of 2016 so much.
“These students are great, respectful and fun to be around,” Graziano said.
He said when he decided to leave the district for another position in December, he was struck by his students’ response. They said they understood it was what was best for his family, he said.
“They have such great character. They have to be influenced by great individuals,” Graziano said, extending applause for their families and friends gathered. “I hope I had as positive of an impact on you, as you did on me,” he told graduates.
Four members of the class delivered student orations.
Alexandra Kohr, the National Honor Society co-president and student council president, told her peers to continue on the paths they choose and make the most of what life throws at them.
“The valley you are going through will lead you to a new peak,” she said. “Explore your personal independence and make your voices heard.”
Kohr, 18, is a daughter of Jeff and Helen Kohr, Williamstown. She’ll attend Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College, majoring in political science and history. She hopes to become a political analyst and run for public office.
Salutatorian Daniel McGarvey encouraged his fellow graduates to make something of themselves.
“There’s no excuse for laziness,” he said, noting some people think they’re entitled to something.
“Strive for the best and don’t just expect it,” he said.
McGarvey was born in Peru, and lived in Argentina and Grove City before moving to Williamstown, where he’s lived for the past five years. He thanked the faculty, administration, custodians and family and said it was “an honor” to speak before his class.
McGarvey, 18, a son of Joel and Lynn McGarvey, Williamstown, will attend Messiah College to study finance.
Superintendent Donald Burkhardt congratulated the class for its academic, artistic and athletic successes, and recognized district students for scoring third highest among Schuylkill County schools, as assessed by the state’s academic profile. He recommended the candidates to receive their diplomas and assisted with their distribution, along with Daniel Stroup, school board president.
Jolene Smith, senior class adviser, and Tracey Weller, high school principal, offered the presentation of academic awards.
Valedictorian Rachel Gibson spoke of the concept of time, and what graduates currently are and what they will one day be.
“We are the heroes in our own stories. Keep moving forward. We need to broaden our horizons and make every story a good one,” she said.
Gibson, 18, a daughter of Jesse and Susan Gibson, Tower City, will pursue a degree in percussion performance at Oberlin Conservatory.
President of the Class of 2016, Willy Girard, delivered the final student oration of the evening. He focused on the bonds students create with their teachers which can last a lifetime.
“All of the teachers have played a vital role in your life growing up,” said Girard, 18, a son of Bill and Leslie Girard, Williamstown.
He will attend Bloomsburg University to study environmental biology and will wrestle for the Huskies.