“Class of 2012 you have done your best. You have done everything possible at CASHS, and yet I still believe the best for all of you is yet to come,” Luffy said.
Before beginning his speech, senior class President Colby Bender gave a shoutout to fellow class officers, as well as his long-time girlfriend, Elise Edwards.
“I don’t know what the future will hold for us,” Bender said. “But who has the right to define success?”
Success means something different to everyone, he said.
“We have to use the time given to us as a tool not as a couch. Anyone who is standing here today has taken the first steps toward a successful life,” Bender said.
Aiyana Pellegrino, president of student government, said high school has been full of ups and downs.
“We survived high school,” she said.
The Class of 2012 dealt with the untimely death of classmate Christian Keyes to cancer in his junior year.
Through the challenges of high school, Pellegrino said the class has developed strong character to travel through life.
“Don’t take the little things in life for granted. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Always give more than you take,” she said.
Salutatorian Lori Moore said after competing in gymnastics for 12 years, she realized that while her years of competition might be drawing to an end, the lessons she learned would aid her in life.
“Each experience will remain like a tattoo on my heart,” she said.
Valedictorian Matthew Rines said graduation brings new paths and new journeys for the Class of 2012.
“Our lives are defined by the paths we choose to lead ourselves down and by the choices we make while traveling them,” Rines said.
This is a time to find your own way, he said.
“As long as you make an honest attempt, you cannot fail regardless of the outcome whether you accomplish your goal or not, all attempts are an act of success, and a bit of knowledge can always be taken from the experience,” Rines said.
Chambersburg Area Senior High School
Number of Graduates: 591
Valedictorian: Matthew Rines
Salutatorian: Lori Moore
