More than 250 Mars Area High School seniors received their diplomas Thursday evening during the district’s 117th commencement ceremony at the Mars Athletic Complex.
Family, friends and supporters filled the stands despite the June heat as graduates celebrated a milestone marking the next chapter of their lives. The ceremony included speeches from superintendent Dr. Mark Gross, principal Lindsay Rosswog, valedictorian Callahan Johnson, senior class president Kathryn Mueller, and a student selected speaker Jaxon Hittle.
Dr. Gross not only congratulated the graduates, but also the friends and family who helped them on their way. “As you look back on this graduation ceremony someday, you’ll also remember the many people gathered here, who supported, encouraged, and believed in you along the way.”
Valedictorian Callahan Johnson emphasizes a vision of the future in his speech. He thanked Mars Area High School for its impact and influence but asserts that the journey continues. “High School helped shape us, but does not define us,” Callahan concludes. Callahan plans to attend Cornell University.
The more than 250 students graduating class had a variety of plans after graduation, such as senior Hannah Wood who plans to study Digital Journalism and Media at the Pennsylvania State University. Senior Ryan Long, on the other hand, plans to use this summer to, “drive the car my dad and I built,” Long said that the ceremony was, “pretty fun, pretty hot.”
The day is filled with cheering, hugging and even a little crying. No doubt the students felt a tremendous gratitude to the teachers and faculty of the Mars Areas High School. As class president Kaitie Mueller puts it, “Always remember: ‘For thee dear Mars we give our all!’”
