'Beautiful experience': North Star High School graduates celebrated at commencement
BOSWELL, Pa. – As he gathered with other new North Star High School graduates on the tennis courts to toss their caps in the air, Zakaria Achouri said Thursday's graduation ceremony was a "beautiful experience."
He said he's going to miss his friends and classmates, especially those he may never see again, but he was looking forward to life after high school.
"I'm excited for a new chapter," Achouri said.
He and 77 other North Star seniors completed their high school careers in front of a crowd that packed the Boswell high school's stadium on a clear, warm Thursday evening.
The students started the ceremony by making the short walk from the high school to gather on the football field.
The audience heard speeches from class president Grant Mowry, vice president Caleb James Biery, valedictorian Gabriel Lisbon and Principal Thaddeus Kiesnowski – each sharing words of encouragement.
"Let us go on from here with focus and drive, and live for what really matters," Biery said.
Lisbon told his peers to not be afraid to work for what they want, and Mowry encouraged them to seize the day.
"We can all make a change, and we should all enjoy doing so," Mowry said.
Kiesnowski shared anecdotes about the successes, accomplishments and acts of kindness he's seen the new graduates take part in, and he talked about how proud he is of them.
"This group has achieved great things," he said. "This group has proved that hard work and determination pays off."
Kyra Smail said the thought of finishing high school was a little overwhelming and bittersweet.
"It doesn't feel real," she said.
Marissa Sarver said the dedicated and compassionate teachers were what she was going to miss the most about North Star. She said she was nervous to graduate, but also excited.
The students left the field to their class song, "Good Riddance" by Green Day. Some celebrated on the field as other tunes played, including "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds and "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
Families cheered for their newly minted graduates, some calling out, "You did it!" as the students passed.
Gary Ashbrook joked that seeing his daughter, Dannyn, walk across the stage made him feel kind of old, but it also filled him with joy, he added.
"She's come a long way and, actually, I'm just so proud of her," he said.
His wife, Niki Ashbrook, agreed, adding that the event was bittersweet because Dannyn is her youngest. She commended North Star for the education her daughter received there and said the school was "so good and accommodating."
