On Saturday, June 11th, the PA Distance Class of 2022 celebrated their high school graduation alongside their friends and peers, teachers, and staff as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. The ceremony and celebratory luncheon reception, held in Camp Hill, PA (outside of Harrisburg) at the Penn Harris Hotel invited friends and family to commemorate the milestone. Simultaneously, students and families who were unable to make the in-person trip were able to watch and celebrate virtually. 

The ceremony included a variety of student-focused components beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance led by graduate, Felix Rivera and the National Anthem sung beautifully by graduate, Samira Issa. Students and families heard commencement addresses from high school principal, Mr. Mort, and graduate, Molly Carrol as they spoke about overcoming obstacles, friendships and endless opportunities.

“If the last few years of your schooling has taught you one thing, it is that you are strong and that you are resilient and that you are able to see through the difficult times,” Mr. Mort said. “Greater challenges always inspire greater results. This class can be a perfect example of the ability to do just that.” 

“PA Distance was more than just a school and a class, it was a family. A place where we could build goals, a place where we could be ourselves and express our differences and interests,” Molly said. “And, a place where we could expand our learning in so many ways.” 

PA Distance staff were also excited to present several awards and accolades to graduating students including two financial literary scholarships to Vanessa Johnson and Kateryna Charron. Cheers broke out as the Class of 2022 Salutatorian, Kristina Earnesty, and Valedictorian, Isabella “Bella” Rios, were announced. 

“I transferred to PA Distance back in 9th grade,” Kristina said in her speech. “It was probably one of the best decisions younger me has ever made. I truly loved the flexibility and had a great time participating in several school concerts, Core 4 events, and school field trips.” 

“We’ve been preparing ourselves for this very moment for a long time. We all have the tools we need to be successful in everything we do and we are ready to take on anything coming at us,” Bella said. “I've had the pleasure of getting to know each and every one of you through live classes, clubs and homeroom and I’m confident in each and every one of our abilities.” 

(Salutatorian Kristina, and Valedictorian, Bella pictured above)

“I am still in shock about the achievement,” Bella explained after leaving the ceremony. I'm happy that I got to read my speech. I thought it was pretty fun, and it summed up everything I wanted to say to my classmates, as we start the next chapter in our lives.”

Finally, after students waited excitedly, they were announced and called to stage one by one to receive their diplomas. Students who attended virtually came up on camera waving from their homes with their mailed diplomas in hand. 

“The fact that PA Distance had a full in-person graduation ceremony meant the world to us,” Class of 2022 graduate Kai McCutcheon’s mother, Mrs. Logan said. 

“Today, I was very excited to see my son graduate,” graduate Daryll White’s father said. 

“The ceremony was fantastic! It was more than I expected,” Bella added. “I liked talking with my classmates and meeting some of my teachers and staff for the first time. The day was super exciting!"

“Thank you so much to all of the staff, graduates, and families who worked hard all year long to ensure the Class of 2022's memorable Commencement Ceremony went off without a hitch!” PA Distance Graduation Coordinator, Mrs. Fanning said. “Graduates: we all wish you the very best and cannot wait to see what your futures hold!”

Congratulations to the 78 graduates of the PA Distance Class of 2022! 

____________

**Watch the full recording of the Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony HERE. **

NOTE: Graduate portraits and family photos taken by Mr. Rumble and Mrs. Rogers on the day of the ceremony will be available to students and their families for download in two weeks.