Morgantown/Honey Brook townlively.com
JUNE 28, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXI • NO 21
Chester County 9-1-1 telecommunicator receives scholarship BY FRANCINE FULTON
Benjamin Meister
Anthony Engle
Rebecca Goldman
Twin Valley High School celebrates graduation BY FRANCINE FULTON
he Twin Valley High School (TVHS) Class of 2023 held its graduation on June 4 during commencement ceremonies held at the Santander Arena in Reading. The valedictorian was Benjamin Meister of Birdsboro, the son of Todd Meister and Missi Cooper. The co-salutatorians were Anthony Engle of Birdsboro, the son of Nathan Engle and Sylvia Engle, and Rebecca Goldman of Honey Brook, the daughter of Joel and Lisa Goldman. Anthony offered opening remarks and welcomed those in attendance. He also spoke of how the students succeeded despite the pandemic. “Not only did we find a new mental toughness, but the pandemic taught us to never take normalcy for granted,” he stated. “It deepened our relationships with
members of the theater arts club. He added that the seniors planned spirit weeks, a powderpuff game, a junior-senior prom and homecoming. They collected items for food banks, provided holiday gifts for children and raised funds for local charities. “In a remarkable campaign, the Mini-THON (members) shattered their goal and their previous records by collecting over $53,000 for the kids, supporting families and funding research in the fight against pediatric cancer,” Clements reported. Benjamin provided the final remarks to the graduates. “Remember that success is not measured solely by material wealth or professional achievements. True success lies in making a difference in the lives of others, finding joy and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and kindness,” he said. “Today we
stand here looking out in the world, brimming with endless possibility. Let’s embrace the future with open hearts and open minds, armed with the knowledge and experience we have gained. Congratulations, Class of 2023. May your journey be filled with purpose, fulfillment and an unwavering commitment to make the world a better place.” Other student speakers were class president Josh Phillips, vice president Paige Borkowski, treasurer Jaden Brighter, secretary Makayla Biddle and class speaker Emma McBride. Superintendent Patrick Winters and school district board president Gary McEwen also offered remarks. To view the entire TVHS graduation ceremony, visit www.youtube.com and search for “2023 Twin Valley High School Commencement.”
See Scholarship pg 3
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our friends and family, and we found a new appreciation for our everyday freedoms.” In her speech, Rebecca spoke about the students fulfilling their own stories. “A good story is one filled with adventure, challenges and hard decisions. As long as you keep moving forward, one step after the next, you’ll have (a story) to tell,” she stated. “So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact and remember that life’s a great balancing act. As Dr. Seuss suggested, you have been writing a story of ‘all the places you’ll go.’” TVHS principal Bill Clements listed the accomplishments of the Class of 2023, including honors and awards at state and national competitions in FFA and the Technology Student Association. He also acknowledged TVHS student musicians, student artists and
Kate Speidel graduated in 2018 from West Chester University with a degree in psychology, but she was unsure of what job she would be interested in pursuing after school. As it turned out, Speidel has found a rewarding career as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator with the Chester County Department of Emergency Services (DES) and was recently named a recipient of the Gold Line Telecommunicator Scholarship by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). The scholarship is awarded to 9-1-1 professionals across the country for their exceptional “hard work, commitment and dedication to public service.” The scholarship provided for Speidel’s attendance at, plus a $1,000 travel stipend to, NENA 2023, the group’s annual conference and expo held in June in Grapevine, Texas. Speidel began working as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator as her first job out of college. “I was getting a broad major and seeing where life took me,” said Speidel when describing her decision to apply for her position with the DES. “I use (my major) every day. I am working and talking with people on the radio and the phone who are dealing with crisis.”
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