Octorara townlively.com
JUNE 25, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXV • NO 17
New Book Highlights Author’s Love of Dogs BY FRANCINE FULTON
In 2020, Community Courier readers were introduced to Jim Weagley, who shared a story about his faith in a book titled, “Bet on the Turtle (My Long, Slow Journey of Faith).” Now, five years later, Weagley has
penned a book that explores another passion in his life - dogs. “I Love Dogs! A Tribute to Man’s Best Friend” was released this month by Weagley, a resident of Atglen. The book details both humorous and poignant moments that Weagley spent with his family dogs from his See New Book pg 2
Meghan McGinnis
Sebastian Hess
Mya Trotty
Octorara Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation BY FRANCINE FULTON
that exactly 1,383 days ago we nervously climbed these same steps for the first time. We were wide-eyed freshmen clutching our schedules and wondering what the next four years would hold,” he said. “Tonight, we stand at the top of a new set of steps - the ones leading into our futures filled with pride, hope and memories we will carry with us forever.” He expressed appreciation to teachers, parents, coaches, family members and fellow students for their support through high school. “When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to grow up, graduate from high school and leave Octorara behind. But now just minutes away (from graduating), I realized how much I’ll miss this place, this time and my people,” he shared. “I say this not out of sadness, but as a reminder to live in the present and to savor each and every second.” Class president Delaney Amole asked parents and guardians to stand and be recognized. She also recognized teachers and
Author Jim Weagley with his grandpuppies, Zoey (left) and Pax
July’s Saturday on the Porch To Feature Patriotic Theme BY FRANCINE FULTON
Because it is being held on the weekend of the Independence Day holiday, July’s Saturday on the Porch event being presented by the Christiana Historical Society (CHS) on July 5 will have a patriotic theme. The monthly social activity will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Brinton House, 17 Green St., Christiana, which is the CHS
See Octorara Graduation pg 6
headquarters. The Christiana Singers, comprising members of the LanChester Chorus, will perform patriotic music in four-part harmony from approximately 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. “They will sing hymns and patriotic songs that were written and sung in the era of the 1800s, (and they will share) stories of why the songs were written and (information about the composers),” said CHS member Patti Shrom. See CHS pg 4
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herishing special moments from high school and beyond was the theme as student speakers addressed the Class of 2025 during commencement ceremonies held on June 6 on the front lawn of Octorara JuniorSenior High School. The event also featured musical performances and comments offered by school administrators. Salutatorian Mya Trotty spoke about her passion for collecting coins throughout her life and placing them in glass containers. She compared that to cherishing small moments throughout high school. “The value was never in the money; it was in the collecting,” she stated. “All of us have collected our own coins these last 12 years - not literal coins - but our own small personal moments. Today isn’t the end of our collection; it is just a change of jars - new cities, new schools, new lives - they all hold treasures.”
“Let’s practice the habit of noticing or picking up small unremarkable things,” she added. “When they pile up, they become the story of who we are. So if you ever notice a coin on the ground, pick it up. It may just remind you of this moment and, of course, save it for me.” Like Mya, co-valedictorian Meghan McGinnis talked about special moments in high school, describing herself as person who collects stories. “When you learn to ride a bike or the moment you met your best friend and the first day of freshman year - they are all chapters in your book of life,” she said. “The next story (will be when you) walk across this stage. This page turn looks different for each of us, but unlike books, this is not where your book ends. (Your) story is part of the book you’re still writing.” Also speaking at the event was co-valedictorian Sebastian Hess, who recalled starting his high school career at Octorara four years ago. “It’s hard to believe
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