Mars graduation celebrates classmates that shaped each other’s journey
ADAMS TWP — Roughly 250 students tossed their caps Thursday, June 4, becoming the 117th graduating class of Mars Area School District.
While celebrating the end of high school and looking forward to taking on the beginning of a new chapter, the Fightin’ Planets seniors gathered at the athletic complex to celebrate the 12-plus years they’ve spent together.
“We have shared countless days together, both the good ones and the difficult ones, that have led us here to this moment that we will cherish,” said Kathryn Mueller, the class president. “As we move forward, we should celebrate not only our achievements, but also the memories, friendships and the ones who shaped who we are today.”
Students celebrated each other — the classmates they call friends and teammates.
Some Mars graduates are going to nearby colleges like Pitt, Chatham or Robert Morris University. Some are going across state lines or just a few hours away in places such as Ohio or Virginia. Others will leave Mars behind for universities in places like the Carolinas, Georgia, Arizona and elsewhere.
A number of students are taking a gap year, while two are going straight into military service.
“I’m just as unsure as everyone else about what comes next in my life. And I think that’s what makes graduation feel so strange,” valedictorian Callahan Johnson said. “We’re celebrating everything we’ve accomplished, while still trying to figure out who we are, what we want and what kind of people we’re going to become.”
For now, students are reflecting on the classrooms, clubs and sports teams where they made lasting connections over the years.
“We’ve been through many ups and downs together, and I can say there isn’t any other group of people I would have rather taken this journey with. Over the past 12 years, we’ve made countless memories, and friendships that will last beyond high school,” said senior Jaxon Hittle.
The commencement was also a celebration of the Mars parents who provided all of the rides, the reminders, the meals, patience and belief in their children over time. Teachers, counselors and coaches were highlighted for “putting up with us,” and helping shape students into who they have become.
“I want to recognize the people who helped us reach this point. None of us made it here alone,” Johnson said.
Mars Area School District also recognized in memoriam two important students who would have been members of this graduating class. It recognized Jake Robert Cooper, who died in 2020, and Alex William Kinch, who died in 2024.
“Their presence brightened our days in ways we won’t forget,” Mueller said.
Amid the celebration and recognitions, students acknowledged what the end of high school means. Some classmates may not see each other until a class reunion down the road. Others won’t see each other ever again, Hittle pointed out.
Regardless of what lies ahead, it’s important for the students to not forget those who helped them get to this point, school officials reminded them.
“It’s a very special night. It’s one you’ll remember and reflect upon for years,” superintendent Mark Gross said. “As you look back on this some day, you’ll also remember the many people gathered here who supported, encouraged and believed in you all the way.”
