WEST PITTSTON — The ending could have not have been written any better.

On a sunny Friday evening, 194 Wyoming Area seniors packed into Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Stadium ready to receive their diplomas.

The boys donned green robes and girls wore gold, with each one sitting in between two of the opposite gender to even out the two colors.

2016 marked the 50th graduating class to leave Wyoming Area High School, and representatives from each year’s graduating class was on hand to join them.

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Retired teacher Charlie Burns represented the class of 1967, the very first class to graduate from Wyoming Area High School.

“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to see this progress and really see all the graduates and all of the changes amongst the graduates over the years. All five of my kids graduated from here.”

Speakers at the event included twin brothers Michael and Ryan Murphy, who graduated first and second in their class, with Ryan as the valedictorian and Michael as the salutatorian.

Ryan reminded his graduating classmates to always remember the way of the warrior.

“It is my hope that the class of 2016 holds onto this way of the warrior when we leave Wyoming Area,” he said. “What is stopping us from always having great moments of triumph when we enter the world that comes after high school? It is the same place we’ve always been, just in a different setting. Not only do we have the resources to do this, but we have the opportunity to do so.”

Michael talked about the significance of his classmates receiving their diplomas, but that it should not stop them from furthering developing their skills

“Our class is layered with talents in all areas — athletics, music, academics and art to name a few,” he said. “The diploma we receive tonight is our ticket to further developing these talents. While receiving our diploma is huge milestone, we cannot forget that it is just a piece of paper. It is up to you to put meaning behind that diploma, because the diploma alone cannot represent you, your abilities or your unique high school experience.”

After speeches by the school superintendent Janet M. Serino and school board President Elizabeth Gober-Mangan, the students, one-by-one, were called up to receive their diplomas.

Cheers, cowbells and air horns echoed throughout the valley from friends, neighbors and relatives there to see the students graduate.

Gober-Mangan reminded the students that no matter where they went in life and whatever they accomplished, they will always be Warriors and will forever have a home at Wyoming Area.

“Class of 2016, today, and every day, I wish you nothing but the best,” she said.

With diplomas in hand and caps still on their heads, the classmates made their way towards the goal post closest to the scoreboard on the football field and threw their caps in the air as high as they could with one last cheer.

Kelly Clarke reflects on her past 13 years at Wyoming Area during graduation Friday, June 17.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-1.jpg.optimal.jpgKelly Clarke reflects on her past 13 years at Wyoming Area during graduation Friday, June 17. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Wyoming Area celebrated 50 years of graduating classes by asking representatives of each class to participate in the ceremony. From left are Lisa Chihorek, Jules Campenni, Amhad Bouie, Jessica Rydzewski, Cassandra Coleman-Corcoran, Chris Pelligrini, Ashley Aritz.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-2.jpg.optimal.jpgWyoming Area celebrated 50 years of graduating classes by asking representatives of each class to participate in the ceremony. From left are Lisa Chihorek, Jules Campenni, Amhad Bouie, Jessica Rydzewski, Cassandra Coleman-Corcoran, Chris Pelligrini, Ashley Aritz. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Wyoming Area School District is celebrating its 50th year of as a district. Past graduates walk in the procession during graduation Friday, June 17.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-3.jpg.optimal.jpgWyoming Area School District is celebrating its 50th year of as a district. Past graduates walk in the procession during graduation Friday, June 17. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Katy Dymond and her brother Luke walk in the procession to start graduation ceremonies at Wyoming Area on Friday, June 17.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-4.jpg.optimal.jpgKaty Dymond and her brother Luke walk in the procession to start graduation ceremonies at Wyoming Area on Friday, June 17. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Grace Gober and Emily Menta dance to the music during graduation Friday, June 17 in West Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-5.jpg.optimal.jpgGrace Gober and Emily Menta dance to the music during graduation Friday, June 17 in West Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Warrior Class President Ashley Lamoreaux addresses the crowd during graduation Friday, June 17 in West Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-6.jpg.optimal.jpgWarrior Class President Ashley Lamoreaux addresses the crowd during graduation Friday, June 17 in West Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Jessica Sorick shows off her Wyoming Area diploma Friday, June 17 in West Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-7.jpg.optimal.jpgJessica Sorick shows off her Wyoming Area diploma Friday, June 17 in West Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

The bleacher at Anthony ‘Jake’ Sobeski Stadium are filled with family and friends of the 2016 graduates Friday, June 17 in West Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-8.jpg.optimal.jpgThe bleacher at Anthony ‘Jake’ Sobeski Stadium are filled with family and friends of the 2016 graduates Friday, June 17 in West Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Kelly Clarke, left, Emily Menta, center and Anna Thomas at the piano perform an original class song, ‘Milestones’ Friday, June 17 in West Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-9.jpg.optimal.jpgKelly Clarke, left, Emily Menta, center and Anna Thomas at the piano perform an original class song, ‘Milestones’ Friday, June 17 in West Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Warriors sing the alma mater for the last time as a class at the conclusion of graduation Friday, June 17 in West Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-10.jpg.optimal.jpgWarriors sing the alma mater for the last time as a class at the conclusion of graduation Friday, June 17 in West Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

The Wyoming Area Class of 2016 throws their caps into the air at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony Friday, June 17 in West Pittston.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-11.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Wyoming Area Class of 2016 throws their caps into the air at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony Friday, June 17 in West Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Alexa Blandina, left, Heather Nametko, center, and MacKenzie Bilbow are happy 2016 Wyoming Area graduates.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-Dispatch-Cover-1.jpg.optimal.jpgAlexa Blandina, left, Heather Nametko, center, and MacKenzie Bilbow are happy 2016 Wyoming Area graduates. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Sarah Coolbaugh raises her hand in jubilation after receiving her diploma at the 2016 Wyoming Area graduation at Anthony ‘Jake’ Sobeski Stadium.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_WA-2016-Graduation-Dispatch-Cover-2.jpg.optimal.jpgSarah Coolbaugh raises her hand in jubilation after receiving her diploma at the 2016 Wyoming Area graduation at Anthony ‘Jake’ Sobeski Stadium. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Wyoming Area High School graduates 194 seniors at 50th commencement

By Jimmy Fisher

jfisher@timesleader.com

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Check out video highlights of the Wymoing Area graduation at www.psdispatch.com

Reach Jimmy Fisher at 570-704-3972 or on Twitter @SD_JimmyFisher

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Video Caption: Wyoming Area High School graduates 194 seniors at Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Stadium on June 17 and welcomes back one representative from each graduating class dating back to 1967.
Video Credit: Jimmy Fisher
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