A-C Valley Class of 2026 celebrates new beginnings
FOXBURG, Clarion County — Members of Allegheny-Clarion Valley’s Class of 2026 tossed their caps into the air and began to look toward their futures Wednesday, May 27.
“I feel like (graduation) is a steppingstone toward a new part of my life,” valedictorian Ava Lutz said. “It’s sad that I’m leaving these people behind, but at the same time, I’m growing as a person.”
Forty-two graduates walked the stage and received their diplomas, and the high school gymnasium was filled with family and friends of the graduating class, whose applause echoed around the gym.
High school principal Bill Jordan opened the commencement ceremony by praising the graduating class’s accomplishments and potential.
“I see kind hearts, warm smiles and a ton of unlimited potential,” he said. “The only thing that stands in your way is you.”
Salutatorian Malia Page, who plans to attend La Roche University and join the school’s two-year radiologic technology program, reflected on how much she and her class have changed over the years.
“Everyone here has changed at least once throughout these past 13 years of school,” she said. “We’ve watched our friend groups change, discovered new passions, walked away from old ones, challenged ourselves in classes we never though we could handle, and learned lessons far beyond what could ever fit inside a textbook.”
Page then advised graduates to be ready for and willing to embrace change.
“So I urge you all to embrace change instead of fear it, and see it as an opportunity to become better versions of ourselves, to explore new possibilities and to make a positive impact on the world,” she said.
Keynote speaker Jessica Fresch, president of Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring and a 2004 A-C Valley graduate, advised graduates to be willing to take risks and explore, but to also appreciate where they came from.
“This is really a beautiful part of the world, and I hope you all travel, so you can come back and realize how lucky you are to be here,” she said.
Class vice president Aidan Fox said he appreciated the A-C Valley community.
“I think (the community) is something that we’re all going to cherish forever. It really builds a community and a strong bond between everyone,” he said.
Lutz, who plans to study environmental science at Westminster College, discussed her appreciation for the A-C Valley High School community in her remarks.
“One day, years from now, we probably won’t remember the grades or the assignments, but we will remember people,” she said.
She then thanked her teachers, classmates, family and friends for helping her throughout high school.
Even with the warm feelings for the past, several students said they were excited for their next steps.
Class president Colbin Elliott, who plans to study sports broadcasting and play football at Westminster College, said, “I’m excited to play football at the next level and meet new teammates and get a chance to go show what my skills are.”
Similarly, Page said “I’m ready to get out of here and move on to bigger things.”
