Penn Hills High School Class of 2023 celebrates commencement

Penn Hills High School graduation featured more than 260 students, including 16 valedictorians, sharing their final moments as district students.

Tears of joy and laughter could be seen on many faces June 9 at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium.

Some of the graduates decorated their caps with messages such as “A World of Possibility Awaits,” “I did it Mom & Dad” and “I Already Forgot Everything” inside a picture of a blue fish.

Principal Erik Kostic likely addressed his final class at Penn Hills. He plans to retire in the coming weeks.

He shook hands and hugged many of the graduates as they came across the stage to get their diplomas.

Prior to that, Kostic talked about how much the students persevered through tough challenges and inspired him.

“I am so proud because through it all you have shined like the brightest stars in the sky,” Kostic said.

Superintendent Nancy Hines yielded her speech time to Homecoming queen and the voice of morning announcements, Krista Hopkins.

Hines said Hopkins was a superb student with excellent leadership skills and a quality resume better than some of the people she interviewed for jobs.

Hopkins reflected on the “unpredictable four years” she and her classmates had together including virtual learning and other pandemic experiences.

“You don’t have to be the smartest kid on paper to have the brightest future and the most potential in order to succeed,” Hopkins said.

Overcoming adversity and cherishing every minute were among the themes in speeches by valedictorians Leah Robbins and Jaden Sbuscio.

“We spend our whole lives rushing just trying to get to the end of the day,” Robbins said. “One year until graduation turned into one semester, which turned into one week and eventually one day. Now we’re here. We made it. We counted down the minutes until we could go home every day, but we never knew how much we might end up wanting just one more minute.”

Senior choir members performed musical selections. School board president Erin Vecchio and vice president Evelyn Herbert handed out the diplomas.

Students in their seats cheered for their peers who were called on stage.

Some danced their way to the board members while others attempted selfies and other forms of expression under the sun.

Senior Raphael Washington’s presence was made on stage with a flourish of rose peddles from an umbrella.

Washington said he wanted to do something special after not receiving a title in the school yearbook.

“I may not have won ‘Most Likely to be Remembered,’ but I will be remembered,” Washington said. “I’ve actually had some of the best moments of my life in Penn Hills because I’ve been in Penn Hills since I was in kindergarten, but at the same time it’s a little disappointing that I spent 13 years of my life for a piece of paper and a handshake.”

Commencement was recorded and posted on the district’s Twitter page.