Class treasurer Drew Whitcomb addresses fellow Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School seniors Wednesday, May 24, during the graduation ceremony at the football field. Zach Petroff/Butler Eagle

RICHLAND TWP, CLARION COUNTY — It was all smiles and sunshine, with a few gusts of wind at Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School on Wednesday, May 24, as the Class of 2023 took center field and the 33 seniors received their diplomas.

“It’s surreal,” senior Lillian Whitling said. “It doesn’t feel real. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. “

The seniors marched onto the center of the football field as friends and family watched from bleachers.

“It’s just a wonderful group of young people,” superintendent David McDeavitt said. “They participate in all sorts of extracurricular activities. They are the nicest group of students you could ever work for.”

Aletha Farrington, class salutatorian and secretary, addressed her fellow classmates by stating a reoccurring sentiment of disbelief — they were “finally graduating.”

“Everyone told me that the time would go by fast, but who would believe them?” Aletha said. “Teenagers know everything right?”