School Board Director Ron Werkmeister presented
a diploma to graduate Julian Wu.
BE TH EL PARK S CHO OL DIS TR IC T
ethel Park
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Co-Valedictorian Emily Augustine addresses the audience.
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2016!
he Bethel Park High School Class of 2016 graduated
on Saturday, June 4 in the Bethel Park High School
Gymnasium.
This year’s class included 372 graduates, and 182 of them
graduated with a QPA of 3.5 or higher. Eighty-five students
graduated with Highest Honors (QPA of 4.00 or higher);
43 graduated with High Honors (QPA of 3.75-3.999); and
54 graduated with Honors (QPA between 3.50-3.749). Included in
these totals were 71 members of the National Honor Society, who
graduated with a QPA of 3.85 or higher.
Welcoming everyone to the ceremony was Bethel Park High
School Principal Dr. Zeb Jansante, who encouraged the students
to be innovators and to take the country to the next level. He also
charged the graduates to make their own opportunities and not
let anyone limit them to what they can do.
Also speaking was new Bethel Park Superintendent Dr. Joseph
Pasquerilla, who told the students to “seek out those who share
your optimism and zest for life,” and to “leave the world a better
place than you found it.” He concluded with “The Story of the Star
Fish” and thanked the students for making a difference at Bethel
Park.
This year, Valedictorian Addresses were given by Emily
Augustine and Sean McClaine. Emily spoke about the importance
of making a positive impact on the community and she
encouraged her classmates going forward to be better students
and better people. She also reminded them to not underestimate
the power of friendship and to continue to look for mentors.
Sean shared that he learned a great deal over the past four
years at Bethel Park and he encouraged his fellow graduates to
Carolyn Kerr received her diploma from
School Board Director Jim Means.
54 Bethel Park
Zachary Normile is one of 12 members of the Class of 2016
who will enter the military upon graduation. He was presented
with his diploma from a representative of the United States
Marine Corps.
keep an open mind and try to understand the ideas of others. His
final challenge to the Class of 2016 was “to make a difference.”
The Senior Farewell was delivered by Senior Class President
Natalie Lalama, who referred to the Class of 2016 as “family,” that
“left a legacy that will never be forgotten.” She suggested that
her classmates not be afraid “to be yourself” and “strive to make
people remember your passion.”
Leading the Senior Class Tassel Ceremony were Senior Class
President Natalie Lalama, PACS President Levi Metheny, Student
Government President David Erzen, and National Honor Society
President Joseph Campion.
1993 Bethel Park High School Graduate Lt. Colonel William
Schenck led the ceremony to present diplomas to the 12 students
who will pursue a career in the military upon graduation.
Other interesting facts about the Bethel Park High School Class
of 2016:
• Four students were Finalists for National Merit Scholarships
and five students were National Merit Commended Students.
• The Class of 2016’s average SAT score of 1561 was 76 points
higher than the State average and 71 points higher than the
national average.
• The Class of 2016 earned $4.4 million worth of scholarships.
To see a list of the Class of 2016’s future plans, go to:
http://www.bpsd.org/Downloads/2016%20future%20plans2.pdf.
To see a list of scholarships received by the Class of 2016,
please go to: http://www.bpsd.org/Downloads/2016%20
Scholarships2.pdf.
Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2016!
Students and their families enjoyed posing for photos on
Graduation Day at the giant “2016” outside the high school.
Memorial Elementary School Principal Eric Chalus
had the honor of presenting a diploma to his
daughter, Paige.