PAHS Graduation

The Port Allegany High School Class of 2015 graduation ceremony was held Sunday afternoon, May 31 at the school.

The Processional was played by the Junior/Senior High School Concert Band under the direction of Brad Stewart.  Class President, Brooke Roys welcomed the audience.  She said, "What once seemed like a far away dream, is now a reality.  We stand here in front of you, ready to receive our diplomas and open a new chapter of our lives.  We've worked hard to get to this point, but we did not do it on our own.  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those people who have helped us get this far."  She thanked her classmates "for making every moment one to remember" and said the "lasting friendships and memories we have made are ones we will carry with us forever."  Brooke then introduced high school principal Marc Budd who introduced the speakers.  

The first speaker was Alex Dynda who spoke on gratitude.  Alex said, "GROW is a verb that is used to normally signify an increase in size.  In relation to our class this word shows a betterment, improvement, and maturing today and in the future to become whatever we choose to be.  One very important part in this growth is gratitude."  He talked about things he is grateful for such as a peaceful community, amazing teachers, support from his parents, the coaches, office staff, custodial and cafeteria staff.  He ended with "with the expression of this gratitude it not only improves the lives of those receiving our thanks but as stated by Ziglar it will in turn better and improve our lives in the future."  

The second speaker was Hannah Ernst who spoke on Responsibility.  Hannah offered a quote from entrepreneur, Jim Rohn who said, "You must take personal responsibility.  You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.  That is something you have charge of."  Hannah offered advice to her classmates saying,  "take responsibility in everything you do.  This involves keeping promises, answering to your own actions, staying trustworthy, and using good judgement."  

Following Hannah was Malari Lapp.  Malari spoke on Optimism.  Malari said, "Growing up it is important to look at the bright side of things.  As a student you learn that by having a good attitude about something can change the entire situation."   She spoke of her experiences with marching band as they marched in the rain, sat through a game where snow had to be shoveled from the field at half time or marched in a 3 mile parade in 90 degree weather.  "It is the happiness we found in these situations that turned these potentially miserable experiences into moments of fun."

Christopher Lashway was the last of the four speakers and he talked about Wisdom.  Christopher began his speech saying it was an honor to be speaking.  He also thanked Mr. Budd, Mrs. Line and the administration for making it happen as well as all of the teachers who helped him get to this point.  "Wisdom is your ability to make intelligent and sensible decisions based on your previous experiences. Wisdom comes with experience, whether you are going to college, trade school, or entering the workforce you will be experiencing something new. Instead of being nervous or afraid you should accept the challenge and look forward to excelling at whatever it is that you decide to do. By being wise you can make smart choices and continue to grow throughout your life." He related a story from his grade school days when he got his first check for being at a table where a food fight occurred and although he wasn't involved in the fight, he was aware of it and did nothing to alleviate the problem or remove himself from the situation.   "Wisdom is involved in the choices we make and also the things we fail to do. Our failure to act can be just as detrimental as our poor actions or choices. I learned from my mistake and know that the next time I am faced with a troublesome situation I will do my best to fix the problem or at least remove myself from the situation."   He ended with "Going forward you should remember to be grateful and appreciate what you have, to act responsibly, to always keep a positive attitude, and to be wise and try to learn and improve as an individual. I want to thank and congratulate my classmates for being here today. I wish all of you the best of luck on all of your future endeavors."

 

 

 

After a song from the band, Gary Buchsen, PASD Superintendent addressed the crowd before awarding the diplomas as Mr. Budd presented the class.  Pam Fischer Photos

Members of the 2015 Graduating Class are:

Shelby Mae Albney Shelby Lorraine Baker Curtis T. Black Jakob David Bowser Hannah L. Buchsenschutz Somer Shyan Buchsenschutz Dylan M. Bundy Kory L. Butts Hannah Renae Causer Matthew Martin Causer Zoe Yuxian Danton-Kinney Aimee D. Darrah Keesha A. DeGroat Lynae Marie Delacour Alysa Kay Dickinson Hannah Rose Donnelly Alex Samuel Dynda Hannah R. Ernst Kaylee M. Ernst Brianna Mae Falk Farrah M. Fischer Hunter James Freer  Allen Cole Friend

Kelsie L. Fuller Chad M. Gaines Dakota Morgan Guthrie Emilee A. Harkness Caitlyn Hope Marie Harvey Karli Noel Haskins Alexandra Faye Heffner K-Leigh Oshia Hill-Nelson Jason A. Huss Monica Kay Johnson Sabrina Ariel Jungclaus Tyler Ray Kaple Eli C. Knapp Adam Frederick Koehler Charles Col Kysor Malari L. Lapp Chistopher Joseph Lashway Allison Elizabeth Lathrop Matthew Robert Main Christina Marie Maluchnik Brelynn Nikkole Marsiglio Trent John Miller  Christian James Moses

Elizabeth Ann Moses Derrick Thomas Mowery Brianna Lynn Niles Hannah Shay Ostrander Donald L. Parris Alexis S. Penick Michaelee Breanne Peters Rikki S. Rennells Whitney Grace Reynolds Videlia Marie Roller Brooke E. Roys Somer Ann Safford Megan Nicole Sena Benjamen G. Setzer Courtney Elizabeth Shatley Chevy Summer Smith Tibor Joseph Smith Jefferson Edward Stehle Kathleen Ann Thatcher Nathan Carl Thompson Richard H. Veilleux, Jr. Casey T. Vollmer  Anniek Bertina Zengerink