Delone Catholic High School graduates 105
Delone Catholic's graduation may have taken place in the school's humid gymnasium Friday night, but class of 2016 valedictorian Victoria Warner felt she and her classmates were in a much more magical place.
As she addressed her classmates, teachers and families in attendance, Warner said the atmosphere reminded her of Hogwarts, the fictional school for wizards from the Harry Potter book series.
"I must tell you that we are not in the Great Hall at Hogwarts but rather this humid and overwhelmingly yellow gymnasium," Warner said in the beginning of her speech Friday. "But all joking aside, it has been the magic that has existed in our hearts these past four years that has enabled us to overcome adversity."
Harry Potter was not in attendance at Delone Catholic on Friday, but the theme of the school's graduation ceremony was magic. Throughout her speech, Warner reminded the seniors to continue using "the light in each of us" as they move forward after graduation.
Warner and fellow speakers salutatorian John Mall and Reverend Edward Quinlan of the Diocese of Harrisburg all spoke about the opportunity of receiving a Catholic education at Delone. Mall called the past four years a "unique experience" and thanked all of the parents and faculty for helping the students reach their goals.
And while most in attendance spent the evening fanning themselves with their programs because of the heat, the mood in the gym was positive throughout. Many snapped pictures and applause filled the gym when each of the 105 graduating students had all received their diplomas.
"Now we must take our lights and set the world ablaze with perseverance, academics, leadership, faith and service," Warner said.
Fast facts
Class of 2016 members: 105
Valedictorian: Victoria Warner
Salutatorian: John Mall
Speakers:
- Maureen Thiec, principal
- Reverend Charles Persing, Diocese of Harrisburg
- John Mall, salutatorian
- Reverend Edward J Quinlan, Diocese of Harrisburg
- Victoria Warner, valedictorian