Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville townlively.com
JUNE 19, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Columbia seniors urged to “embrace the moment”
VOL LXV • NO 16
Eastern York Class of 2024 looks to the future BY CATHY MOLITORIS
There’s nothing wrong with failure, Alex Guillaume told his fellow Class of 2024 members at Eastern York High School’s graduation on May 31. “At some point in our lives, we will fail, and that’s OK,” said the salutatorian in his speech. “It’s perfectly normal to fail. What matters is how we respond to that failure. Failure gives us two options: give up or try again. We, the Class of 2024, have proven we are resilient. When we fail, we get back up.” The graduation ceremony featured
student and guest speakers, music from the Eastern York chamber choir, the presentation of a class gift and the awarding of diplomas to 128 students. Kaydence Strange was named valedictorian. Despite earning the honor of having the highest GPA among her peers, Kaydence noted that academics is not what comes to mind when she thinks of herself. “If you asked me to describe myself, I would respond with one word: athletic,” she told her classmates. “My whole life has been dedicated to sports.” A soccer player since early elementary school, she is also See Eastern York pg 3
The Class of 2024 graduation speakers at Columbia High School were (from left) Brooke Droege, Kaitlin Scheele and Aiden Stover. BY CATHY MOLITORIS
“E
mbracing the Moment” was the theme of the speeches delivered by members of Columbia High School’s Class of 2024 during their graduation ceremony on May 30. The speakers were Aiden Stover, Kaitlin Scheele and Brooke Droege. For Aiden, the topic of the speech was particularly inspirational.
“My speech talked about how this is our moment. It’s your moment. It’s not your family’s or anyone else’s moment,” he said. “It’s yours, and you should take in what’s happening right now.” He noted that he struggled in his early school days, and he highlighted those challenges. “I had a hard time speaking when I was younger, causing me to lash out,” he said. “My speech talked about how I learned to overcome my communication See Columbia pg 2
Kaydence Strange
Alex Guillaume
Aiden Evans
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
“Each of the river towns Columbia, Marietta, Wrightsville - has qualities and quirks that make that community unique,” said Megan Salvatore, visitor services manager for Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA). “The three towns are great on their own, but as history has showed us, when they come together, they are extraordinary.
They are better together.” Everything unique about these river towns will be in the spotlight during Riverfest, an annual event to celebrate the Susquehanna River. Riverfest will be held from Friday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30, in and around the river. “The goal of Riverfest is to showcase our place in American history and in its future as a recreation haven,” said Hope Byers, vice president of visitor
engagement for SNHA. “ The river has long held significance to the local people and that remains the same today.” Highlights of Riverfest include the Bridge Burner Challenge. In the multi-sport event, close to 100 racers will retrace the steps of the people who burned the bridge over the Susquehanna River connecting Wrightsville to Columbia in an effort to prevent the advance of Confederate forces See Riverfest pg 2
Riverfest will feature activities on and around the Susquehanna River.
Great Selection!
SWEET & TART
CHERRIES • Pick Your Own • Ready Picked
Picking Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-7, Sat. 8-4, CLOSED Sun.
Pollinator Week
400 Long Lane At Marticville Road (Rts. 741 & 324S) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster
717-872-9311
www.cherryhillorchards.com
• Annuals • Shrubs • Perennials
All on
Sale!
Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Closed Sun.
R108020
C WM
Riverfest will honor region’s heritage
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JUN. 19, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron