Daniel Boone High School grads urged to ‘stand out’
For the first time, decorated mortarboards topped several of the graduates during Daniel Boone Area High School’s commencement ceremony held on Friday, June 8.
Daniel Boone students campaigned for the school to permit the class to enhance their graduation caps. Political science teacher Sue Fulmer explained “students were allowed to embellish their caps with future plans or thank you messages.”
Sydney Kunkel — who bedecked her cap in two parts, half celebrating her time at Daniel Boone and half for her future plans at Shippensburg University with a scale to represent her planned major, criminal justice — said “Decorating our caps was a great opportunity for us to show our individuality and show everyone what we want to do with our lives. I was excited to be able to put forward my artistic abilities in showing people my future.”
Decorated caps included quotes, photos, flowers and farewell messages.
One student covered his cap entirely with Redner’s Market ‘paid stickers.’ Emily Dlhopolsky decorated her mortar board in honor of her career path — to become a state trooper.
Most caps, however displayed plans for the future; schools represented included: Rosemont College, Berks Career and Technology Center, Gettysburg College, California University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg University, Nursing School, Alvernia University, Widener University, Kutz-
town University, University of Tampa, Bloomsburg University, Saint Joseph’s University, Clarion University, West Chester University, Delaware Valley University, and of course Penn State.
Before the presentation of diplomas and the tassels on the adorned caps were moved from the right side to the left, Principal Preston McKnight quoted William Ernest Henley: “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Daniel Boone School District Superintendent James Harris remarked to the graduates, “Tonight you say goodbye to teachers, friends, and familiars,” and urged students to “take pleasure in your achievements,” and to “push yourselves to do better.”
Bradley DeMild, third honors, urged his classmates “Don’t waste time trying to fit in ... stand out.”
Salutatorian Julia Bulafka ended her speech by telling her classmates: “I’m grateful to have known all of you.”
Valedictorian Jordyn Markle recited the class motto: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.