Gov. Shapiro Sends Message To Pennsbury Graduates

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — Gov. Josh Shapiro had a message for the 745 graduating Pennsbury High School seniors: "There is no wrong path."

Speaking at Falcon Field during the Class of 2025's commencement ceremonies on Thursday, the governor delivered a poignant and motivational address to the graduates.

“As you go through life, you will find that there are many different paths you can take. Hear
me on this — there is no wrong path," Shapiro said. "There is only your path. There are many different avenues to success. And, we’ve got to respect and support all of them.”

“Sometimes when that path takes an unexpected turn, it’s just the first step toward an even more
incredible opportunity ahead,” Shapiro continued. “There are so many paths to success, and your
path in life won’t match anyone else’s because it will be uniquely yours. When things get tough
and you face a new challenge in life, remember that you have the freedom to chart your own
course. And, thanks to your education here at Pennsbury, you have the opportunity to succeed.”

With 57 percent of the PHS Class of 2025 attending a four-year college, 17 percent attending a two-year college, 9 percent heading to trade schools, and 19 students choosing to serve their country by enlisting in the armed forces, Shapiro noted that success is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Pennsbury School Board Director TR Kannan also addressed the Class of 2025, both as a school board director and as a proud parent of a member of the Class of 2025, his son, Arun.

"As you reach for those big dreams, don’t forget the most powerful thing you carry with you: your character and your kindness," Kannan said. "This is what will define you — this is what will shape your relationships, your leadership, and your legacy."

Commencement speakers featured Riley Kopceuch, Pennsbury High School Class President; Zaki Ali, Senior School Board Representative, and PHS Top Scholar, Wesley Rittenhouse.

"If there is one thing I ask you to take away from this speech, it is the fact that being accepted by others will never be more important than being accepted by yourself," Kopceuch shared. "These lessons and experiences have helped prepare you for whatever your next step may be."

Ali reminded classmates of the importance of promises — both big and small—as they move forward in life.

"Don’t stop making promises. Make them to others, and just as importantly, make them to
yourself," he urged. "Have the courage to keep making promises, the strength to honor them, and
the grace to forgive yourself when you fall short. Because our future isn’t just built by achievements— it’s built by the promises we dare to make and the ones we choose to keep."

Rittenhouse encouraged his fellow graduates to embrace the unknown and focus on personal growth.

"Think not about what you want to be at the end of your line, but who you want to be," he said.
"Even when you don’t know what your next destination is, have faith in your ability to navigate
your line and retain the sense of pride in being a Pennsbury graduate."

Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith and campus principal Reginald Meadows also addressed the graduating class with Smith reminding them of the deep connections they have built.

Meadows closed the ceremony by sending the graduates off with a charge to focus on character.

"Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value," he quoted
Albert Einstein, adding, "In the halls of Pennsbury, I’ve seen you grow into leaders, friends,
teammates, and problem-solvers...You are ready for this challenge."

(Pennsbury School District)