Bellwood-Antis Principal Mr. Rick Schreier says when choosing a guest speaker for commencement, he seeks to represent a variety of career paths and geographic locations.
“From NASA scientists to correctional officers, from Bellwood to California, our goal is to show students that there are many paths to success after graduation,” he said.
This is why Sarah Garber, a graduate of 2009, is the ideal guest speaker at graduation this year.
Garber is a professional artist and an entrepreneur/small business owner. She is the proprietor of The Clay Cup in Altoona.
“Sarah has been a phenomenal member of the community. Her drive, determination, and creativity have enabled her to become a successful entrepreneur in the City of Altoona,” Mr. Schreier said. “When selecting graduation speakers, we look for former students who have made a meaningful impact in their communities and who embody the traits we value in our graduates. I believe Sarah’s professional art career, along with her business ventures, will serve as an inspiring and motivational example for our students as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.”
The Clay Cup is a unique sit-down coffee shop/restaurant where customers can also paint pottery. The coffee shop opened March 20 of 2017 and just celebrated its 8 year anniversary this year.
Garber has also published a children’s book called The Sock Flock, which is a tribute to her grandmothers, who were avid birdwatchers. The book was published in 2022.
She also designed various throw pillows with animals wearing glasses that are for sale nationwide at T.J. Maxx and Marshells stores.
Garber feels honored to be able to come back and guest speak for the class of 2025.
“To be able to return to my alma mater and share things I’ve learned with the graduates makes me very excited,” she said.
Garber said that if she were to put herself back into her high school shoes and imagine one day giving this speech, she’d never believe it!
“I think I would wonder what I would have accomplished in order to have the honor of speaking,” Garber said.
Garber said she hasn’t fully determined the theme of her talk yet, but she “definitely will be touching on how you have a built-in support system with this community and the teachers and faulty at B-A.”
Also speaking at commencement will be Valedictorian Jacob Caracciolo and Salutatorians Jenna Norton and Holden Schreier. Garber will be introduced by Cayden Pellegrine.
Commencement takes place May 30 at Memorial Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
