The commencement of the Salisbury High School Class of 2022 was held on a sunny and beautiful June 5 in the SHS stadium. SHS Principal Heather Morningstar welcomed everyone in attendance and congratulated the students on their resilience after having such an unusual high school experience. She then thanked the faculty and staff for helping them get through it.

Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten then encouraged the graduates to “find your joy.” She mentioned a survey she sent out to the seniors about their favorite memories from their Salisbury education. The answers from elementary school ranged from playing with the parachute on field day to dressing up for Halloween. Some of the middle school memories listed were the kickball tournament and reading to elementary students. High school memories included the Homecoming parade, sporting accomplishments and making friends.

Fuini-Hetten spoke of the many accomplishments this class has achieved already. She said she hopes the graduates will find their joy in the next phase of their journey. She ended her speech with the parting words, “As a superintendent, I encourage you to find joy, but as a mom, I can’t refrain from telling you to be safe while you do it.”

Next to speak was Joseph Gnall, vice president of the Salisbury Board of Education. His message to the graduates was to “hold on to this place and the people in it.” With all of the technology in the world, staying connected is easy to do. “There will be a time in the future where you need help or you need a friend to talk to, or something new and exciting has happened in your life that you want to share with someone.” Gnall said by staying close, graduates will know who to call or text. “Also keep in mind and possibly more important, the people sitting around you right now will need the same of you.” He encouraged the graduates to never forget their high school friends because those are the friendships that last.

Director of Student Activities Monica Deeb then introduced Class President Gweneth Schlack. Salisbury varsity field hockey coach Jane Brennan described Schlack by saying, “She never hesitated to put others first and played with her heart. Her strong character makes her a leader in all areas of life.” Her future plans include majoring in biology at Millersville University.

In her speech to fellow graduates, Schlack said even though they were all together at graduation, they took different paths and may have different reasons for being there. “That is what is so special about today. After today, we can decide who and what we want to be and that doesn’t have to be one thing.” She compared their future to a “Create your own Adventure” book. They are all in the same book but with many options to choose from to finish the book. She encouraged her fellow classmates to “explore the path no one takes and try out different paths to see what happens.”

SHS Assistant Principal Ryan Yurchick introduced the Class of 2022 Salutatorian Aidan Mathieu. He spoke of Mathieu’s quality as a problem-solver and how he incorporated that skill to finish his Eagle Scout service project. His future plans include attending Lafayette College majoring in computer science with a biology minor.

Mathieu talked about how the graduates learned problem solving, public speaking and critical thinking skills to pass their high school classes. They learned leadership and communication skills by playing or watching sports. They showed their strong moral character by volunteering in school and community activities. “My advice to the rest of the class is to use the skills we have learned. Take some time to think through decisions, think about the rewards and possible consequences of those decisions.”

Morningstar then introduced Class of 2022 Valedictorian Stephan Rupa.

“What separates him from many of his peers is his ability to take what he has learned and apply that information across curricular areas or to new situations,” one of his teachers told Morningstar. Rupa will study at Brown University majoring in pre-med.

Rupa began by saying the word to describe his time at Salisbury is “inconsistent.” He then listed the different disciplinary actions he received in middle school and then followed up by thanking and acknowledging the great teachers he had at SHS to help him get to where he is today. He also noted how being the child of immigrants encouraged him to do his best. “Wherever we end up, Class of 2022, don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

SHS faculty member Tanya Kennedy presented both the Staff Award and the Salisbury Education Award to Marcie Silberman. Kennedy then noted they believe this is the first time these two awards have gone to the same person.

Dawn Cressman awarded Cindy Zhu the Salisbury Educational Support Professional Association Award.

Lastly, Rachael Legath presented the Alumni Award to Stephan Rupa.

A special award was then given to Jacob Aungst for having perfect attendance for all 13 years of school.

Diplomas were then handed out and tassels were turned, followed by the singing of the Alma Mater.

Congratulations SHS Class of 2022.