The evening was “lucky” for the graduating class of Panther Valley High School on Friday night, as classmates walked together one last time before becoming alumni.

The school principal, Patricia Ebbert, reminded students about just how lucky they were during their time as students.

“You were lucky to have had some amazing adventures in your years at PV,” she said. “Pop quizzes, spirit week, hallway traffic jams, pep rallies, teachers dressed in unusual outfits, exciting gym classes, sporting events, The Black hole, homecoming, the prom, senior sunrise and sunset, and above all the dreaded state tests. You were lucky to survive COVID, virtual learning and many staff changes in your years at PV.

“So, with all these changes, one thing remained constant. You had the PV Luck!”

Ebbert then spoke about how a perfect horseshoe is made — from heating the metal to hammering it smooth and shaping it into the iconic horseshoe shape, one that can endure immense weight — and how the graduates’ choices are much like that horseshoe.

“A horseshoe is a lot like high school. With the open-side up it allows us to open up to a lifetime of new experiences, new friendships, new failures that turned into successes, and above all, new growth from within. If you hang the horseshoe facing down, you lose out on unexpected opportunities, new adventures, moments of joy and chaos, and learning from your failures.

“I ask the graduating Class of 2025 to turn your horseshoe right-side up. And here is why. There are times that we cannot control what happens, but we can control how open we are to the luck and opportunities that come our way.”

Whether it be a teacher connecting with a student, sharing a snack with a friend, spending lunch with staff members or just building a lasting relationship with someone else, one small moment in time can change a bad moment into a lasting memory.

“When you take that big venture out into the military, the workforce, a trade school or college, remember, the PV community helped shape you into a perfectly strong piece of metal that can withstand the biggest weight,” Ebbert said. “You have proven you are bigger and tougher each and every day. You are the lucky one.”

A special surprise was also presented to the graduates in the form of personal notes from staff members reminding students of all they can accomplish; as well as a small horseshoe to remember their years at Panther Valley High School.

Student speakers Brenna McAndrew, Malena Smith and Class President Natalie Vermillion echoed their principal’s thoughts, each talking about how these last 12 years of school have led to where each and every graduate stands today.

“Remember when school turned into a screen? When 7th and 8th grade became something we lived through in pajama pants, behind mute buttons, and in Google Classroom tabs?” McAndrew asked.

“Whether you were online for a few weeks or what felt like forever, we all missed out on something important: and not just the ‘normal’ parts of growing up. I think we are all still a little salty about missing the Renaissance Fair. I think we all still feel a little robbed of the chance to dress up, to eat giant turkey legs, and to pretend we were royalty or knights or peasants. But despite the cancellations and the curveballs, we kept moving forward. And high school brought its own share of unexpected moments.”

McAndrew recalled their rainy senior trip to Knoebels Amusement Resort that while soggy, made lasting memories; as well as the drama that every school has.

She also remembered the teachers that the students lost in their school careers and the “GRIT” students showed on and off the playing fields.

“But here is the beautiful part: through everything: the chaos, the change, the heartbreak, and the growth: we kept going,” she said before thanking the teachers, staff, parents, guardians and all families. “ ... Thank you for being our foundation. … We are the Panther Valley Class of 2025: the class that did not just survive the storm, but learned how to dance in the rain. The class that turned challenges into character. The class that turned endings into new beginnings.”

During the program, Natalie Vermillion presented the black and gold colors to Ava Alabovitz, president of the Class of 2026.

Vermillion shared a quote in her speech.

“I would like to leave everyone, especially the Panther Valley Class of 2025, with a particular quote that has stood out to me over the past few weeks, which says, ‘Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift.’ From now on, I hope you choose to live in the moment, yearn for the memories we have made together, but also remember that we have bright futures ahead of us.”

Malena Smith, class valedictorian, offered this quote from Wayne Dyer: “There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love; there’s only a scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”

Smith added, “I believe that acting on opportunity conscientiously, diligently and honestly fosters accomplishment, and I hope my fellow classmates will be successful in their future endeavors.”

Dr. Louis Vermillion, guest speaker, quoted Dr. Seuss: “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own and you know where to go. You are the ones who decide where to go.’ Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and good luck on all your future endeavors.”

James Logue Jr. contributed to this report.