Pleasant Valley High School held a special graduation ceremony Wednesday night in the school auditorium for four students who will be leaving soon for basic training in the military. The traditional graduation ceremony is set for July 24.

Matthew Triolo, the principal at the high school, said the idea for the early graduation grew from emails from two of the evening’s graduates, Christal Awe and Madison Beerwa. They were disappointed about not being able to attend their graduation. Triolo said he was determined to come up with an alternative plan.

“The big thing was making sure we celebrate them,” he said. “Graduation isn’t just for the graduates. It’s for the families.”

In addition to Awe and Beerwa, Ismael Cenexant and Deven Venegas also received their diplomas early.

“You want to recognize them for their accomplishments and you’re very proud of them for being individuals who want to go serve their country,” Triolo said.

Another 15 students from the Class of 2020 will be entering the military, too, but they will be able to make the graduation in July.

Awe has enlisted with the U.S. Army and will serve in active duty. She decided to join the military because her grandfather was in the Air Force, although after talking to several recruiters, she opted for a different branch.

“Army active duty seemed to be the best fit for me,” she said.

While at Pleasant Valley, Awe attended classes at the Monroe Career and Technical Institute in the health professions, competed in Skills USA for three years, placing first in the medical terminology category at the district level. She also was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, HOSA for future health professions and the marching band.

Awe will be going to Fort St. Philip in Oklahoma for basic training.

Beerwa plans to join the U.S. Navy. While in high school, she was active in marching band for all four years. She served as section leader her senior year, co-section leader her junior year, and also played in pep band.

Cenexant decided to join the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. While in high school, he played football his junior year.

“I always wanted to go in the military,” he said, but admitted he’ll miss high school a little bit.

He will be leaving soon for basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia.

Venegas is also joining the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and will be participating in the ROTC program at Shippensburg University, where she plans to major in criminal justice.

While in high school, she attended classes at the Monroe Career and Technical Institute for cosmetology. She earned the Outstanding Student award for two years and competed in SkillsUSA at the district level. She placed third at districts in esthetics.

Venegas also participated in marching band all four years and was the color guard captain during her junior and senior years. That is what she said she will miss the most about high school.

“Marching band - the fun that we had and all of the memories that were made,” she said.

She will be attending basic training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

The graduation was attended by a small group of family for each graduate, as well as members of the school board and administration. Triolo welcomed everyone to the graduation, and Robert Mauro, a Vietnam War veteran and director of Human Resources for Pleasant Valley, gave the commencement speech.

“You are getting involved in something that is greater than yourself,” he said. “You should be very pleased that you made this choice.”

He said that among the benefits they will gain from service, pride in themselves and “pride in wearing your uniform” will stand out.

Triolo followed and spoke about the good memories early in the school year and difficulties that arose later.

“Hopefully tonight can be the first bright spot in what was a pretty disappointing conclusion to your senior year,” he said. “You four absolutely deserve to be celebrated and applauded.”

Next, Superintendent Lee Lesisko presented the students to the school board and announced that they had qualified for graduation.

“Good luck in your future endeavors. Thank you for serving our country,” he said.

Each student came up to the stage one at a time to receive their diplomas. Back in their seats, Triolo spoke the words they’ve waited years to hear, “Take your tassels from right to left to signify you are now graduates of Pleasant Valley High School.”