Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Jeffrey Burman salutes “Trooper” Josh Bourassa during the Blue Ridge commencement ceremony held Saturday, June 11, in the high school auditorium. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
The Class of 2022 holds a special place for Blue Ridge Superintendent Matthew Button. The group of students was the first kindergarten class the year he became the elementary school’s principal and the last fifth grade class before he was hired as the district’s superintendent. On Saturday, Button – and the whole of the Blue Ridge School District – celebrated their graduation.
In his remarks, Button said that despite the challenges of the past few years, the graduating class had developed into leaders in academics, athletics and the arts. He also highlighted Josh Bourassa, who has Krabbe’s Disease and defied the odds of the genetic disorder to appear with his fellow graduates on the stage Saturday.
Salutatorian Ashley Tomassacci spoke of the Class of 2022’s “different” high school experience that they will “carry with us long past today.”
She urged her classmates to live a life they are proud of, face tomorrow head on and to find their own “special corner of the world.”
Valedictorian Danielle Tierney advised the group to find balance in their lives.
She told them to take care of their mental health. “It’s not possible to be productive all of the time,” she said. “Do not feel ashamed to prioritize your mental health.”
Elementary Principal Danelle Decker was chosen by the class to be the Commencement Day speaker. Having taught the group as an elementary teacher, Decker said, “I look at you and see the goofy smiles from fourth grade.”
Decker said the Blue Ridge Class of 2022 has reinvigorated the culture of the high school with their volunteer and community work, while exceling in academics, arts and sports. “Our seniors brought back the cheering section,” she said.
She also spoke about their futures. “Trust yourself to navigate your path,” she said.
Blue Ridge Class of 2022
Reese Allen, Angel Alvarez, Mirella Annesi, Skyler Bell, Bryant Beach, Jacob Birtch, Chase Bishop, Kayla Blaisure, Lillian Bleck, Joshua Bourassa*, Kendra Brant, Nicholas Buerkle, Savannah Carvin, Audrianna Choplosky, Neo Choplosky, Andy Colwell, Chase Cosgrove, Alisa Dauro, Jesse Delousia, Breanna Derrick, Gavin Dissinger, Isabelle Edwards, Madison Gelinger, Rayne Glover, Dana Graves, Noah Guzy, Austen Harvey, Sienna Kowalewski, Cassidy Labar, Logan Mann, Benjamin Marble, Jocelyn Maskaly, Coleman McCain, Dylan McGee, Abigale Oakley, Byron Pacheco, Alexis Parks, Kendra Parry, Stephen Radicchi, Carling Renwick, Leah Rippy, Cameron Robinson, Devin Sherwood, Makayla Shidagis, Elizabeth Smith, Twila Snyder, Elizabeth Solonewitz, Brielle Starbuck, Milia Stilloe, Trista Stone, Hunter Thomas, Danielle Tierney, Ashley Tomassacci, Isaiah Valentin, Kara Wdowiak, Gerald Welsted, Gunnar Wenzl, Lauren Whitazer, Haley Wilson, Cheyanne Wood, Keeton Yannone.
*Certificate of Completion issued
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