The Bellwood-Antis Class of 2014 received their diplomas tonight in commencement ceremonies at Memorial Stadium on a pleasantly cool late spring evening that was memorable for many reasons.

Class president Katelyn Shaulis, in her address to the Class of 2014, took the first real-time selfie in Bellwood-Antis commencement history, drawing chuckles from the crowd when she briefly interrupted her speech to snap a quick photo with her smartphone.

Later, valedictorian Angela Wheeler, whose sister Beth delivered a moving speech as valedictorian in 2009, invited the crowd to embrace the unexpected and stand up to shake hands with and say hello to the people around them.  Her speech drew laughs when, after the crowd sat down, she said, “I’m so happy you were touched and moved by my speech.”

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Seniors took the grand march around the track at Memorial Stadium to begin commencement ceremonies.

In between, salutatorian Miranda Lowery reminded seniors of all the memories they made at Bellwood-Antis and told her classmates to never forget where they came from, and to always hold their heads high when they tell people they call Bellwood-Antis home.

Guest speaker Doug Lingenfelter, a 1996 B-A grad who is now a Master Police Officer in Virginia, gave the Class of 2014 many valuable life lessons, focusing on their journey through post-secondary education and the job market, and pushing them to make a commitment to be solid citizens.

Superintendent Dr. G. Brian Toth told the Class of 2014 a story of a young man who wanted a car for graduation, but instead his father gave him a Bible.  Angered over the present, the son cut ties with his father, never making contact again until after his father died.  He went back and collected the Bible he never accepted, only to find it also included a key to the car he had wanted years before.  Toth told the class to always appreciate and make the most of the gifts they have.

Finally, seniors received their diplomas, after principal Lisa Hartsock, fighting back tears, told them the Class of 2014 made a lasting impact on Bellwood-Antis High School.