Octorara townlively.com
JUNE 26, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXIV • NO 17
Students welcome to join TFS youth group BY FRANCINE FULTON
Octorara Class of 2024 celebrates graduation BY FRANCINE FULTON
District since kindergarten. “We have made it,” she said, addressing her fellow graduates. “We have been here since the beginning through the ups and downs of COVID. We have been through it all.” She said that the years have produced lasting friendships that will continue after graduation. “We have become a family who cares for each other, helping each other when needed, putting others before ourselves and showing kindness to one ano ther,” she s aid. May r in concluded her talk by offering a message in Spanish. Jared’s talk revolved around the question “What does it mean to be human?” “ This is life’s essential question,” he stated. “To be human is to embrace - new ideas, new people and even new environments, like us having graduation in the auditorium.
See Youth group pg 8
Library to offer Summer Reading Program BY FRANCINE FULTON
The Parkesburg Free Library, 105 West St., will present its annual Summer Reading Program, themed “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” The schedule includes reading incentive activities and special events. Children of all ages are invited to register for the Summer Reading Program, which opened on June 10 and will run through Monday, Aug. 16. Children should pick up a reading packet and reading log at the library’s circulation
desk in order to participate. Children are asked to read every day for 30 minutes or have books read to them. Each 30 minutes is worth one bead of their choice, which they can use to put on a cable to create a bracelet or a backpack hanger. When the cables are full of beads, children may receive another cable. The cables can be joined together to make a necklace. The Summer Reading Program also features a patch power activity. Children may select the patch
See Octorara pg 4
See Library pg 9
Great Selection!
SWEET & TART
CHERRIES • Pick Your Own • Ready Picked
Picking Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-7, Sat. 8-4, CLOSED Sun. POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JUN. 26, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
OCC
W
ith the threat of storms looming, the Octorara Junior- Senior High School Class of 2024 celebrated its graduation on June 10 during an indoor ceremony held in the school auditorium. However, graduates, their families, school administrators and staff members made the best of the change, not letting the weather dampen their enthusiasm. The host of the event was Jonathan Propper, principal, who provided the welcome and a message to the students. “Today, as you stand at the intersection of your past and future, I urge you to reflect on the journey that has brought you to this point and to consider the road that lies ahead,” he said. “We have strived to instill in each of you a set of character traits that are essential in both
your personal and professional lives - boldness, responsibility, ambition, virtuousness, energy and selflessness.” The class valedictorian was Lyla Elboubkri. The salutatorian was Carson Schempp. In her address, Lyla spoke about the excitement and promise of the future. “This finale to our high school years is not only a metaphorical closing of doors but also the first of many opening doors of a new beginning,” she stated. “From the diverse knowledge accumulated in these brick walls … we stand at the crossroads of opportunity. There are new people, new experiences and new challenges (ahead). You have achieved greatness and will continue to do so every day.” Class speakers were Mayrin Vidal Contreras and Jared Hodorovich. Mayrin spoke about being a part of the Octorara Area School
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.
R108201
Shown with principal Jonathan Propper are class valedictorian Lyla Elboubkri (left photo) and salutatorian Carson Schempp (right photo).
Games, social time, biblical teaching , discussion groups and mentorships for students in grades six to 12 can all be found in one place the Twentyfourseven (TFS) youth group offered by Freedom Life Church in Christiana. TFS meets at the church on Wednesdays. Doors open at The youth group is open to students in grades 6:30 p.m., followed six to 12 who enjoy social time prior to the by the program from evening’s program. 7 to 8:30 p.m. The group meets not doing a whole lot.” Each session opens with social year-round, but it held its summer time and games, followed by a kickoff celebration on June 19. “ ( Yo u t h s ) c a n come a ny breakout of small groups based Wednesday throughout the on age and gender. “(Beginning year,” said Freedom Life youth at 6:30 p.m.), it’s a lot of ‘hangpastor Caleb Stevenson. “The ing out’ time with basketball, summer is a great time because nine square and board games, students are out of school and and we have opportunities for