A small miracle, a first and a little bittersweet occurred at commencement for Manheim Central School District's Class of 2009 at Lancaster County Bible Church.
The small miracle occurred when graduate Kyle Crist rose from his wheelchair and with the aid of a walker stepped across the stage to receive his diploma to resounding applause.
"I've been practicing every day for four years," said Crist, who has cerebral palsy. "I've always strived through my life to be as much as I can like everyone else."
Crist will attend Lancaster Bible College to study youth ministry. Friends, family, teachers and well-wishers surrounded him.
"Thanks to friends, family and community. Manheim should always be remembered in the hearts of our seniors and should never be forgotten by the class of 2009," Crist said.
A first for Manheim Central was the graduation and recognition of a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Graduate Celeste Hershey stood to applause for having achieved the national honor.
The ceremony program listed 266 graduates. It was a bittersweet moment when not all of the graduate's names were read. About 12 students were barred from the ceremony for a recent violation of the district's Baron Code.
Graduate Ashleigh Ashcraft is looking toward her future as she heads for mission work this month. Ashcraft will serve a foreign mission for five months. She then will attend college to study elementary education.
"I'm excited, nervous, scared," Ashcraft said.
Graduate Brittany Oberholtzer is headed to Millersville University to study nuclear medicine.
"I'm excited. I can't wait to get out of here," Oberholtzer said.
Four speakers talked about the challenges and opportunities ahead for the graduates.
Student speaker Ryan Bankert asked the graduates what they would do for a Klondike Bar, referring to graduation as the dessert after a dinner.
"To get to the dessert, you have to get through the other courses in the meal," Bankert said. "May you all have some more delicious meals come your way."
Graduate Marlon Bruno compared school to making a movie. "This is not TiVo. Pushing pause is not an option. Are we ready for the premiere?"
Student speaker Samantha Oates compared each student to a small stream that in life merges with the larger river heading to the ocean.
"One stream among many can make all the difference in the world," Oates said. "Just be that river of Class 2009 and don't fear change because change is where great things begin."
Joseph Wells — the keynote speaker, former district sixth-grade teacher and "voice" of Baron football for more than 30 years — challenged the students to take a risk.
"Be open to unexpected opportunities. Risk going out on a limb. That is where the fruit is," Wells said. "Try some of those unexpected chances of change."