Gov. Shapiro Tells Pennsbury Graduates To Find Their Own Path

Gov. Josh Shapiro speaking at Pennsbury High School’s graduation on Thursday. Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

Gov. Josh Shapiro urged the 745 graduates of Pennsbury High School’s Class of 2025 to forge their own paths during the commencement ceremony at Falcon Field.

Addressing families, educators, and the newest alumni at the Falls Township high school, the Democratic governor emphasized his belief in the graduating class.

PHOTOS: Pennsbury’s 745 Graduates Celebrate

“I believe you, the Pennsbury Class of 2025, I believe you are key to our future,” Shapiro said. “There is no wrong path. There is only your path.”

Shapiro, who grew up in nearby Abington Township, explained his decision to speak at a high school graduation instead of the traditional gubernatorial practice of addressing college ceremonies.

“While that is a nice tradition, I was purposeful in not doing that this year. Instead, I chose to be here with each and every one of you as you complete your high school journey,” he said.

The governor highlighted his administration’s investments in education, including funding for mental health counselors and free breakfast programs across Pennsylvania.

“We have literally invested in your success. And I want you to know I believe that is money well spent,” Shapiro said.

The governor also touted a new partnership among Amazon, Bucks County Community College and the Pennsbury School District, which will provide training for students interested in working at Amazon’s planned data centers in Falls Township.

Earlier in the week, Shapiro and Amazon announced a $20 billion investment to build data center campuses in Pennsylvania, including one at the Keystone Trade Center.

“That is the largest private sector investment ever in the history of Pennsylvania,” Shapiro noted.

Shapiro acknowledged the paths Pennsbury graduates are pursuing, with approximately 75 percent heading to college, 9 percent to trade schools, 5 percent directly into the workforce and 19 students entering the military.

Sharing a personal story, Shapiro recounted how he flunked pre-med and was cut from his college basketball team on the same day after high school.

“I didn’t give up. Instead, what I found was a passion for service that’s actually guided my life ever since,” he said. “Sometimes when your path takes that unexpected turn, it’s just the first step toward an even more incredible opportunity ahead.”

He encouraged graduates to disregard voices that seek to limit what they can do.

“I encourage you to drown out those voices that are really just trying to limit you and hold you back. And remember, conventional wisdom, it’s never all that wise,” Shapiro advised.

“If you remember only one thing from our time here together, remember that your governor showed up at your graduation because he gives a damn about you. And he asked you to blaze your own path,” Shapiro concluded.

The ceremony also featured addresses from three student speakers: Student Body President Riley Kopeuch, Zaki Ali, and Wesley Rittenhouse.

“If there is one thing that I ask you to take away from this speech tonight, it is the fact that being accepted by others will never be more important than being accepted by yourself,” Kopeuch told her classmates.

Ali encouraged courage and self-forgiveness.

“Have the courage to make promises, the strength to honor them, and the grace to forgive yourselves when you fall short,” he said. “We’re not just the graduating class of 2025. We are a world of promises. Young, bold, unfinished, yet beautiful,” Ali said.

Rittenhouse reflected on the transition to newfound freedom.

“Just because you’ve reached your destination, it does not mean that your journey has ended,” Rittenhouse said. “Despite the high school chapter of our lines closing, they will continue for the rest of our lives. Only now we are in complete control to take them wherever we desire.”

School Board Member TR Kannan, whose son was among the graduates, advised students to celebrate their accomplishments and look ahead to future endeavors.

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