Pequea Valley townlively.com
MAY 31, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 23
Refrigerator-worthy PVHS celebrates the 2023 best of class BY ANN MEAD ASH
n May 11, Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) showed appreciation to the top 15% of the Class of 2023 by inviting seniors with the highest grade point averages, along with their parents, to gather for recognition in the auditorium. The event, known as the Best of the Class of 2023, was opened by school counselor Jason Davis, who noted that these select students have “exemplified dedication, hard work, and perseverance throughout their high school careers.” “In spite of obstacles, these learners have consistently performed at an academically high level,” he said. Assistant principal Amy Koberstein made a special address to students and parents. Koberstein noted, “Your parents’ refrigerators have been plastered with A+ assignments for the past 13 years.” She went on to encourage students as they move forward, saying, “It is my
O
The top 15% of the Pequea Valley High School Class of 2023 was honored in a special ceremony.
tion entrepreneurship, music education, research and design, video game design, automotive engineering technology, nursing,” Eby said, pointing out, “You are the elite top 15% of the PVHS Class of 2023, and this is a list of the first choices (for careers).” He charged students to take on their future jobs with “the intentions of making the world a good place.” “Your first choices will put you in a position to have a positive impact,” he said. “We can’t wait to see how things will go for you.”
LVS schedules 30th annual auction
Each of the top students present was given the opportunity to stand at the podium and talk about one teacher who had been an influence during his or her education. Each student was also asked to talk about activities he or she had been involved in at PVHS and to share his or her future plans. This year’s top students were Cameron Beiler, Peter Brumbach, Madison Clark, Olivia Clark, Brooke Graham, Jesse Hoopes, Cole McEvoy, Wyatt McGinnis, Joel Peifer, William Porter, Olivia Ross, Wade Stotlzfus, Kianna Winey, and Noah Zink.
Flag football just for fun UDS Challenger offers program for those with special needs
BY ANN MEAD ASH
“It’s only one day this year. That’s a big difference,” said Katie Martin, Lighthouse Vocational Services (LVS) event coordinator, of the 30th annual LVS auction, which will be held on Saturday, June 10, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Martin noted that all the activities will be held outdoors on the LVS grounds at 144 Orlan Road, New Holland. LVS provides vocational services for individuals with disabilities. The event will open with a by-donation breakfast including pancakes, eggs, and hash browns, beginning at 7 a.m. A candy drop from an ultralight plane will be held at 8 a.m., weather permitting. LVS CEO Kirt Barden will welcome the gathering at 8:15 a.m., and the live auction will begin at 8:30 a.m. with crafts, farm supplies, and groceries going over the Lighthouse Vocational Services participants displaying items to be sold at the organization’s 30th annual auc- block.
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Teresa Wiedemer, who coordinates the Challenger Football and Cheerleading program for United Disability Services (UDS), can sum up the goal of the program in one sentence. “It’s a great way for kids with disabilities to meet other kids (with disabilities),” she said. Wiedemer, who took over the program in 2022, recalled the story of a young man who joined the flag football league last year. “In the beginning, the boy didn’t realize how active it was,” said Wiedemer. “He would play a few minutes and then sit down, but by the end of the season,
he was playing the whole game.” UDS Challenger Football and Cheerleading will hold games in the gym at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, on Saturdays from Aug. 5 through Oct. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon each session. No game will be held on Sept. 2, just prior to Labor Day. Non-contact flag football is open to boys and girls ages 8 to 21. “We have volunteer coaches and buddies so each kid who needs one has a helper,” said Wiedemer. “Each kid gets to score, and each gets to kick, and we don’t keep track of the score.”
See LVS pg 3
tion are (from left) Jared B., Jon M., and Shauna P.
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PVSD school board vice president Bryant Ferris offered congratulations from the board, commenting on the proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” “It takes many people to provide a safe, healthy environment where children are given the security they need to develop and flourish to realize their hopes and dreams,” he said. “This celebration brings together the villagers who were most important along the journey. Go forward knowing the village is always here for you and rooting for you.”
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hope that you do not disregard the passions that excite you. I encourage you to seek the success in life that brings you joy, happiness, and, most importantly, fun.” She concluded by adding, “Don’t forget to honor and remember your friends, parents, and family. Go home and hang your certificates on the fridge.” Assistant to the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) superintendent Rich Eby offered recognition from the school by first listing all the career hopes of the top students. “Business administra-