HAMBURG - The Class of 2014 at Hamburg Area High School had many accomplishments both academically and scholastically.
On Friday, Valedictorian Jeffrey Galczynski challenged his class to continue that success in their lives after high school.
"To the Class of 2014, congratulations and let's go," Galczynski said.
The high school held its 52nd commencement program at 6 p.m. Friday in the gymnasium. The graduating class consisted of 184 seniors.
"Perfection is an idea, not a state of being," Galczynski said. "... So, chase it, never stop. Run, push and crawl towards your idea if you have to, but never stop moving towards it."
Among the many accomplishments of the seniors, Superintendent Steven P. Keifer said 74 percent of the class plans to attend post-secondary schools. Those students received a total of about $1.2 million from the Esther H. Ludwig Scholarship program. A philanthropist and lifetime resident of nearby Perry Township, Ludwig gave more than $25 million to the district for scholarships.
"Our students are the benefactors of one of the largest scholarship funds in Pennsylvania," Keifer said.
The sports teams also combined for 173 total wins, a new school record, Keifer said.
The class also has four students entering the military.
Salutatorian Tyler J. Seidel took once last photograph with his classmates Friday and encouraged them to meet new people and try new things after graduation.
"However, as you say hello to a new life and new things, never forget the people you grew up with and who you are saying goodbye to," Seidel said. "Do not forget this place and what the experiences from within have taught you and carry those lessons with you the rest of your life."