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Timothy J. Mercer, a member of the Bellwood-Antis class of 1984, will be the 2018 commencement speaker at graduation on Monday, June 4 at  7:00 pm in the high school auditorium.

After he graduated, Mr. Mercer attended Penn State University and obtained his BS degree with Honors in Administration of Justice. While he is now retired, his last job was an Interim Assistant Vice President for Police and Public Safety at Pennsylvania State University.

Mr. Mercer was also a Trooper for Troop S, a Trooper for Troop G, a Corporal for Troop H, a Corporal for Troop G, a Sergeant for Troop H, a Sergeant for Troop G, a Lieutenant for the Bureau of Patrol, a Lieutenant for Troop G, the Captain for Troop G, the Major for the Bureau of Patrol, and a Lieutenant Colonel for The Pennsylvania State Police. All of the Troops Mr. Mercer was apart of are located in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Mercer has been recognized several times for his police work, such as receiving several Pennsylvania State Police Letters of Commendation for solving major police cases as well as being named the Pennsylvania State Police Troop G Trooper of the Year for his work in domestic violence investigations. While he does like being recognized for his work, he has always been motivated by helping others.

Mr. Mercer is married to Sally Mercer, who is a Tyrone Area High School graduate, and together they have three children: Morgan, Lindsey, and Kamryn.

Mr. Mercer says that he is extremely humbled and honored to be asked to serve as the keynote speaker for the 2018 Bellwood-Antis commencement ceremony, not only because he graduated from here, but because his daughter, Kamryn, is graduating with this year’s senior class, which has allowed him to get to know a lot of the students.

“I have known many of the graduating seniors since they were in preschool. I’ve also had the privilege to coach many of them in tee-ball, soccer, and girl’s elementary basketball,” said Mr. Mercer. “I have also mentored several of them wishing to pursue careers in law enforcement.”

There have been many life lessons that Mr. Mercer has learned along the way, but he is looking forward to sharing two of them with graduating seniors during the ceremony.

“The first lesson is respecting and appreciating where you come from and those who have helped you along the way. The second point is about setting lofty goals and being prepared to overcome obstacles that may come between you and the goals you are trying to achieve,” said Mr. Mercer.

Overall, he is proud of the graduating class, and is excited to give a few final words of advice to the students.

“It has been a privilege watching them grow up into outstanding young men and women, and I feel like they have accomplished so much and have carried on the tradition of being a Bellwood-Antis Student,” he said.

Other speakers include class president Jack Showalter, Salutatorian Hannah Hornberger, and Valedictorian Braden Heisler.