OLD FORGE - They laughed and cried, wiping tears from their eyes as their childhood photos appeared on the walls of the high school auditorium.
Clad in dark blue gowns and gold stoles, the 63 Old Forge High School seniors watched the slide show and recalled memories just minutes before they received their diplomas on Friday.
"I think we can all agree it will be uncanny not seeing the same things we have since our first days at Old Forge," salutatorian Kimberly Regan said in her speech during the graduation ceremony.
She cited the small class size, saying it allowed her fellow classmates "to learn a great deal about one another" and develop close bonds.
During her farewell address, valedictorian Elizabeth Godusky reminisced about her academic career and acknowledged how quickly it flew by.
"This is the day everyone in high school looks forward to but no one realizes how it creeps up on you in the end," she said.
Attorney Carl J. Greco, a 1970 Old Forge graduate, urged students "never let go of your dreams." He challenged students to develop their souls and to be compassionate, caring and selfless.
High school Principal Christopher Thomas encouraged students to set goals and make plans to accomplish them.
"The only one stopping you from achieving anything is the person you see in the mirror," he said.
Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter
Graduates are
Ashley Adomiak, Andre Joseph Aldubayan, Bryonna Ashanti Aldubayan, Ariana Argust, Anna Christine Balanovich, Mia Baresse, Paul Thomas Breza, Karmyn Marie Bruno, Briannan Marie Budzak, Chelsea Lynn Cadwalder, Meagan Marie Calogero, Tyler John Cavalari, Kayla Marie Chludzinski, David Joseph Chromey, Stephanie Ann Cichy , Robert James Cipollina, Tyler John Clark, D'Arah Denby, Anthony Francis DeSando, Derek Joseph Drasba, Brian Patrick Finnerty, Savannah Lynn Fitzpatrick, Dana Marie Gallagher, Gabriella, Maria Gillern, Elizabeth Helen Godusky, Jared Raymond Heckman, Alyssa Ann Hobbs, Kyle Richard Hoover, Nicholas Andrew Killino, Mariah Ann Kresefski, Victoria Elizabeth Lee, Jenneva Brooke Macavage, Matthew Louis Mancuso, Nicole Kendall Mancuso, Frances Lyn Matcheson, Destiny Lynn Morse, Olivia-Marie Norella, Shauna Nicole Nunes, Marina Annde Parker, Anthony Joseph Piccolini, Kristen Gabriella Pietryka, Randy Joseph Rachko, Kimberly Marie Regan, Nicole Ashley Roberts, David Thomas Rudalavage, Tyler Edward Salerno, Carrie Ann Smith, Brittany Daorouni Souryavong, Samantha Taylor Talarico, Vincent Joseph Talarico, Brian Richard Tomasetti, Kyree Jayvon Toomey, Phillip Anthony Vahey, Michael Joseph Vieira, John Edward Vols, Brenden Charles Wahl, Randy Ray Webb, Warren Jacob Welsh, Justin Thomas White, Elijah Jaren Wilson, Courtney Ann Woolaver, Joshua Elias Woolaver and Melanie Wylam.Valedictorian Elizabeth Godusky
Parents: Jennifer and David Godusky
Activities: National Honor Society, student council president and member of the math and science club
Plans: Attend Juniata College to major in environmental science
Salutatorian Kimberly Regan
Parents: J. Clifford and Sandy Regan
Activities: National Honor Society, member of the softball team and member of the math and science club
Plans: Attend Penn State University to major in nursing