Schools
The Graduating Class of 2011 Says Goodbye to PTHS
It was a beautiful commencement ceremony for the 2011 graduating class of Peters Township High School.
A multitudinous graduating class swarmed the Peters Township High School football field for the 2011 commencement ceremony on June 10.
The band played a processional march, "Pomp and Circumstance," as a throng of seniors gathered for their graduation ceremony, the boys in crimson and the girls in white.
A slight breeze blew in. Earlier school officials were concerned about having to move the event into the gymnasium for fear of rain, but the sky cleared.
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The ceremony opened with a trio of seniors—Breanna Ferchak, Kara Hunter and Josh Orr—singing the national anthem.
Senior class President Douglas Maronde introduced the Class of 1961, which graduated from PTHS 50 years ago today.
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Student Council President Eric Yeckley gave a humorous speech about "Toy Story," the Pixar animated series that ended its filmic trilogy by sending its hero, Andy, off to college. Yeckley ended his speech by donning a cowboy hat, similar to the one worn by the character Woody, and recited Buzz Lightyear’s famous motto; “To infinity and beyond!”
Two valedictorians spoke. Connor Dickey evoked T.S. Eliot and Connor Page recited dialogue from Yoda, a character in the Star Wars films.
There were 25 valedictorians at PTHS, but only two were selected to speak, shortening an already-lengthy ceremony.
The National Honor Society president, Christian Ranallo, also gave a speech.
The acting principal, Frank Brettschneider, bid an emotional farewell to his seniors, reciting lyrics from a country-western band.
Superintendent Dr. Nina Zetty offered her remarks by citing Robert Fulghum’s "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”
It was Dennis Scott’s energetic speech that garnered a standing ovation. The teacher, retiring after 50 years in education, quoted Maya Angelou and Nelson Mandela. His speech was warm, humorous and filled with love for his students.
After his remarks, the diplomas were presented. The class, in an expected moment of exaltation, threw their caps high into the air signifying the end of the ceremony.
