Published: May 26, 2009 03:23 pm      

Tri-West seniors celebrate graduation

LIZTON — Superintendent Dr. Leo Philbin said he knew from their handshakes that the members of the graduating Tri-West High School Class of 2009 were ready to take on the world.

“I’m real thrilled for them,” Philbin said. “When they came across the stage, they all had firm handshakes. That shows me they’re ready to enter the adult world.”

Though the gymnasium was packed and sweltering, 107 seniors turned their tassels, signifying the end of their high school careers Saturday afternoon.

Salutatorian David Pfeifer said their milestone is another change, just one of the many they’ve experienced in their lifetimes. Pfeifer will attend Taylor University in the fall.

“We all live in a state of constant change and as the Class of 2009, we understand change, we’ve experienced it together and today we approach change one more time,” he said. “High school left many cherished memories, from Relay for Riley, to being able to vote for the president, prom, bon fires, and parties. John F. Kennedy said, ‘Change is the law of life, those who only look to the past or present are certain to miss the future.’”

Valedictorian Travis McCain said graduation is another step in the journey that is life. McCain will attend Stanford University in the fall.

“Life is a journey, not a destination,” he said. “Before we look to the future, let us look to the past. First to our families, there is no way any of us can repay them for their sacrifices. Teachers have given us knowledge and wisdom. We are so lucky to be the recipients of their unwavering enthusiasm. Let us also be proud of ourselves and each other. Congratulations to our friends for being the best humanities teachers we’ve had.”

The ceremony had its own special Class of 2009 touches, one being their roller coaster simulation, which brought chuckles from the audience.

Pfeifer was one of the leaders of the “roller coaster,” As he gestured and moved, other seniors followed his lead and even made sound effects to go along with their skit.

“It’s something that started our senior year during football games and in pep rallies,” he said.

He said it was one more chance for the seniors to bond before they went their separate ways.

“I really enjoyed (the ceremony),” he said. “(High school) just happened way too fast.”

Cheryl Hahn had a bittersweet graduation ceremony, as both the Tri-West choir director and the mother of one of the senior concert choir members, Rigel Hahn.

“They’ve been an exceptional class in school and I have no doubt they will be exceptional out in the world,” she said. “We had five seniors (in the choir) and I’m very excited for all of them. They’ve been outstanding leaders in choir.”



charlee.beasor@flyergroup.com