Latest news with #PineGroveAreaHighSchool
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pine Grove Area seniors head off to next chapter
PINE GROVE — Pine Grove Area High School graduated 132 students from its senior class Thursday at its commencement exercises. Dressed in the district's signature Cardinal red gowns, the seniors celebrated the momentous occasion on a pleasant evening at Cardinal Stadium, surrounded by bleachers packed with family members and friends. Superintendent Heath W. Renninger, in his welcome address, reminded students of three powerful qualities — resilience, creativity, heart — that have shaped their journeys. 'Creativity is often thought of as art or music, but it's so much more,' he said. 'It's your ability to think outside the box, to find new solutions, to dream bigger than the circumstances around you. Your creativity will allow you to navigate a world that's changing faster than ever.' * Members of the Pine Grove Area JROTC present the nation's colors during the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29. (RYAN SHARP/STAFF PHOTO) * Members of the Pine Grove Class of 2025 proceed onto the field for their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29.(RYAN SHARP/STAFF PHOTO) * Pine Grove Class of 2025 Valedictorian Alexander Dubbs speaks at his graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29. (RYAN SHARP/STAFF PHOTO) * Members of the Pine Grove Class of 2025 proceed onto the field for their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29. (RYAN SHARP/STAFF PHOTO) * A pair of Lockheed C130 Hercules military transport planes pass over Pine Grove Area High School's graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29. (RYAN SHARP/STAFF PHOTO) * Pine Grove Class of 2025 President Alexis Butler speaks at her graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29. (RYAN SHARP/STAFF PHOTO) * Pine Grove Class of 2025 Salutatorian Allison Kelley speaks at her graduation ceremony of Thursday, May 29. (RYAN SHARP/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 7 Members of the Pine Grove Area JROTC present the nation's colors during the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29. (RYAN SHARP/STAFF PHOTO) Expand He also urged students to remember 'who's in your corner.' He said they will continue to develop relationships with their corners of support and will find new ones over time. Valedictorian Alexander Dubbs recalled the tough time the Class of 2025 had recovering from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said affected their social skills as they entered high school. He also referenced a wave of teacher resignations during the class's sophomore and junior years. 'Still, our class didn't let it hurt us as we made it to the start of senior year, and ultimately where we are tonight,' he said. Salutatorian Allison Kelley, in her speech, offered a reflection on the dangers of nostalgic reminiscing and told her fellow seniors to enjoy the present. 'Here's the truth: High school is not the best years of our lives,' she said. 'And honestly, that's a relief because the best years don't exist. There is no single chapter of life that defines our joy. What we do have are the memories that we make throughout our entire lives.' Alexis Butler, senior class president, spoke about her experience as the student representative to the Pine Grove Area school board. She called it 'a rare opportunity, as most school boards don't include a student voice. That alone speaks volumes.' Butler said she regularly attended board meetings, where she provided updates on student activities, and visited classrooms, spoke with teachers and administrators, and interviewed peers to 'bring a real, student-centered perspective to the table.' 'Our board listened, not just to the highlights, but to the needs, challenges and hopes of our student body,' she said. 'Representation matters, and I'm proud Pine Grove believes that, too.'
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lengel announces intent to run for magisterial district judge
Longtime Pine Grove resident and Bern Township police officer Christian Lengel will seek to become the next magisterial district judge in southwestern Schuylkill County. Lengel will not cross file in the May 20 primary election, he said in a press release. 'Most candidates cross file to appear on both the republican and democratic ticket,' Lengel said. 'However, I wanted my campaign to represent who I am and be authentic to my values, and those values are Republican.' Lengel hopes to replace retiring District Judge David Rossi, Tremont, in district 21-3-04. The district encompasses Barry, Branch, Cass, Eldred, Foster, Frailey, Hegins, Hubley, Pine Grove, Porter, Reilly, Tower City, Tremont Upper Mahantongo and Washington townships and Tremont Borough. 'This seems like a natural progression to my current experience as a police officer, fire marshal and school resource officer but more importantly to serve in my Community in which I was born and raised,' Lengel said. 'My dedication and commitment to service has been long standing in various positions that I believe are the backbone to our community such as being a volunteer fireman, holding the position of Deputy Schuylkill County Sheriff and part-time Hegins Township police officer. All these roles gave me the perspective I need to continue serving the great people of Schuylkill County. My background in law enforcement as well as my education and education will be put to good use, just on the opposite side of the desk.' Lengel is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School and furthered his education by obtaining a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Alvernia University, Reading. While in college, he attended the Reading Municipal Police Academy and later went on to attend the Pennsylvania Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Training Academy. Lengel said he believes his experience, education and deep community roots have uniquely prepared him for this office, and he looks forward to spending the upcoming months speaking directly with the voters about his qualifications. Lengel said he sees the district judge as a continuation of his desire to make his community safe for people to live and work. He also believes the person who holds the position needs to treat everyone who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect. 'I began my public service career as a junior fireman with the North End Fire Company in Pine Grove and advanced to the Captain position within the company. From this experience I gained a sense of admiration for serving my community. This service transitioned into a long-standing career in law enforcement where I still do, to this day, feel a duty to serve the local community.' Lengel resides in Pine Grove Township with his wife, Karen, and their five children: Alexa, Demi, Trey, Tanner and Jaxson. He is a member of the NRA, Pine Grove and Rock Fish & Game, and enjoys hunting, fishing and coaching his children in various sports such as baseball and soccer.
