Knoch students celebrate final moment together
JEFFERSON TWP — “Today marks the completion of one chapter and the beginning of another,” said Knoch School District superintendent David Foley during the district’s commencement ceremony Wednesday, June 10.
Although he was addressing the 181-student-strong Knoch High School Class of 2026, that statement also applied to Foley himself.
Knoch High School’s graduation was not only the class of 2026’s final event as students — it was Foley’s final graduation as Knoch’s superintendent.
During his speech, Foley reflected on what he saw out of the class of 2026 when he toured the school with incoming superintendent Melissa Grantz.
“Dr. Grantz and I had the opportunity to meet many of you during your lunch periods,” Foley said. “One thing is clear: You’re ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Camden Christie began the graduation ceremony by discussing the challenges the Class of 2026 faced.
“Along the way, we faced loss, injuries, setbacks and challenges that tested our strength and our determination,” Christie said. “Each challenge shaped us into stronger, wiser and more determined individuals.”
Delaney Andrews used a lyric from Fleetwood Mac’s song “Landslide” to reflect on her high school career.
“Well I’ve been afraid of changing, ‘cause I’ve built my life around you. But time makes you bolder. Even children get older. And I’m getting older, too,” Andrews said.
Anthony LaJevic built on Andrews’ words by looking back on his years in school.
“It’s remarkable how familiar and ordinary this place has become. What once felt overwhelming has now become second nature to us.”
LaJevic, who plans to attend Saint Francis University’s physician assistant program, then asked the Class of 2026 to look back at the experiences they had throughout their school years.
“And when you take that look back, you’ll remember the Halloween parades and the recesses at the primary school, the field trips and the Mr. Hunka gym classes at the intermediate, and the first real taste of independence at the middle school,” LaJevic said.
“One day, when we have kids of our own in school, we’ll say ‘back in my day, school was like,’ and that’s when we will relive the moments of our time here together.”
Carter Worsley then advised the Class of 2026 to soak in graduation and enjoy the special moment.
“So, as we continue forward on this day that has such an emphasis on the past and the future, we all need to make sure to take a moment, soak it in, and be completely here mentally in the present,” Worley said.
As the night continued, the graduates continued to reflect on what their high school careers meant to them and what the future looks like.
Adrian Lavorini talked about how memories of their high school career can serve as motivation to keep going through life’s challenges.
“Each of us has our own landmarks. They may be athletic achievements, academic successes, personal struggles we have overcome, friendships we have built, the lessons we have learned,” said Lavorini, who plans to attend Penn State Behrend for mechanical engineering and swim there.
“When life becomes difficult, those landmarks can remind us of what we are capable of and give us the motivation to keep moving forward.”
As the graduates prepared to receive their diplomas, Foley finished his final ceremony as superintendent with advice for the Class of 2026.
“Be encouraging, show respect, speak highly of others and give credit where credit is due. And most importantly, choose positivity,” Foley advised. “These may sound like simple ideas, but they have the power to shape the way you impact the people and the communities around you.”
