The valedictorian of Weatherly Area High School’s Class of 2024 encouraged graduates to never give up even when they feel that times are difficult.

“Things do get better. The cuts you get while going through life will one day heal, but the scars they leave make you who you are,” Taylor Davidovich said during Friday’s graduation ceremony at the high school gymnasium.

She noted that statistics report that one in three high school students struggles with mental health issues.

“There are an infinite number of reasons that you need to keep going. Your life means more to the world than you know, so don’t let it be too late. It is never too late,” Davidovich said. “The doubts in your mind are simply doubts, they are not definite.”

She assured classmates that they’ll experience times of pride, sadness, exhilaration, and love.

“I want you to remember that when the tunnel seems as though it is perpetual and there is no light at the end, I can promise you that the light is there,” she said. “You just have to persevere and continue to grow until you find a place of peace and happiness, which each and every one of you deserves.”

Salutatorian Kaylee Gaydoscik reflected on high school.

“We have such amazing memories to look back on. We have gained friendships, lost some too, but most importantly we all grew,” Gaydoscik said. “We’ve grown not only in knowledge but in character. I’ve learned that change is inevitable, life is unpredictable and you must embrace it.”

While the class is celebrating how far they’ve come, she said they will now face changes.

“As our new chapter stands before us, let us remember our lessons from the past, cherish our memories and the friendships we’ve made,” Gaydoscik said.

She congratulated the class.

“The journey has just begun,” she said.

Diplomas were presented to the 49 graduates by Superintendent Daniel Malloy and Weatherly School Board President Kenneth Jacoby III.

Class President Isobel Hoffman said it was hard to believe that graduation had arrived.

“From lockdowns and masks, to Zoom classes and not being able to see your friends every day. It was hard, but here we are. We made it,” Hoffman said.

She spoke about what the class had been through since kindergarten, and mentioned important events that happened each year.

“And now, not so much of a memory, but a very momentous present. We walked across the stage and accepted our diplomas. Whether you are happy, teary-eyed or just can’t wait to get out of this place, this is a moment we all shared together,” Hoffman said as she instructed the class to move their mortarboards’ tassels from the right to the left.

The Weatherly Area High School Class of 1974 was recognized during the ceremony. Tom Gerhard, a graduate of the class, was the guest speaker.

“As you leave our small community and Weatherly High School and embark on the next chapter of your lives, I urge you to embrace the opportunities that come your way, to chase your dreams with unwavering determination, and to never lose sight of the incredible potential that resides within each and every one of you,” Gerhard said.

He wished the class success.

“The world awaits and I have no doubt that each and every one of you will go on to achieve greatness,” Gerhard said.