Burgettstown to honor 104 graduates
Burgettstown High School will hold commencement exercises for 104 graduates at 7 p.m. today at the KeyBank Pavilion in Hanover Township.
Speaking at the ceremony will be valedictorian Kieran Walsh and salutatorian Samantha Roner.
Walsh is a son of Teresa Walsh of Burgettstown. Among his awards are the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and Challenge Program Academic Excellence Award. Walsh was named a Southwestern Academic League leading scorer and was on the high honor roll for every quarter. Walsh was also class president and participated in student council, National Honor Society, Model United Nations, Principal’s Advisory Committee and musical and stage crew. Walsh plans to attend Carnegie Mellon University to pursue studies in a STEM-related field.
Roner is a daughter of Michele and Jim Roner of Burgettstown. Among her awards are the STEM Challenge Award, Megan J. Phillis Scholarship for Academic Excellence, BASF Leadership Award, Senior Athletic Award, Math Award, Club HOPE Award of Honor, Girl Scout Gold Award, Stuco Recognition Gold Award and President’s Education Awards Program in recognition of outstanding academic excellence. Roner was also named an Amelia Earhart Award honoree and a BDBD scholarship essay winner. Roner was on the honor roll and was involved in the National Honor Society and her school’s drama program. She plans to attend Florida Southern College to major in biology with a pre-veterinarian track.