SCRANTON – Gov. Josh Shapiro told the West Scranton High School class of 2025 to choose their own path and how his administration’s work made their success possible.
The governor delivered remarks before 338 graduating seniors, along with family members, friends, teachers Scranton School District administrators and school board directors Wednesday night in the Lackawanna College Student Union building.
He began his remarks acknowledging the journey the graduates took to receive their diplomas, one in which they began high school taking classes online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Along the way, I know there have been ups and there have been some downs,” Shapiro said. “But I also know each and every one of you are stronger for the journey.”
The governor said he chose to address them because he believes the class of 2025 is key to the collective future of the state. He added the foundation for life’s opportunities begins in the classroom and all students should have opportunities regardless of their zip code.
Shapiro said his administration has increased funding for public education, increasing funding to public schools by $2 billion, bringing in $11 billion for education, including a 38% increase in funding for the district, which has allowed the district to make improvements, expand programs like marching band, invest in the STEMM Academy which focuses on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical fields, add mental health counselors and provide free breakfasts to students. He also said his administration has increased funding for career and technical education.
“We have literally invested in your success,” he said. “Those investments we’ve made in you, like you, have paved the way for new opportunities right here at West Scranton but all across our county.”
Shapiro told the graduates there are many different paths and there is no wrong one. He urged them to choose their own.
“There are so many paths to success,” Shapiro said. “Your life won’t match anyone else’s, because it will be unique.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro gestures the letter “W” to stand for West Scranton to the West Scranton High School graduating class of 2025 at the Lackawanna College Student Union in Scranton Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Gov. Josh Shapiro takes a selfie with the graduating class concluding his speech during the West Scranton High School graduation ceremony at the Lackawanna College Student Union in Scranton Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Gov. Josh Shapiro gives a speech during the West Scranton High School graduation ceremony at the Lackawanna College Student Union in Scranton Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Gov. Josh Shapiro gives a speech during the West Scranton High School graduation ceremony at the Lackawanna College Student Union in Scranton Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Gov. Josh Shapiro gives a speech during the West Scranton High School graduation ceremony at the Lackawanna College Student Union in Scranton Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Gov. Josh Shapiro gives a speech during the West Scranton High School graduation ceremony at the Lackawanna College Student Union in Scranton Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Gov. Josh Shapiro gives a speech during the West Scranton High School graduation ceremony at the Lackawanna College Student Union in Scranton Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Shapiro concluded his remarks by turning around and taking a selfie with the graduates. He noted in his remarks two West Scranton graduates serving in his administration, Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich and Drew Popish, the northeast regional director for his office. He drew applause when he held up his left hand, forming a “W” with his fingers.
Graduating students said after the ceremony they were honored to have the governor address them. Valedictorian Valerie Ayala said she was grateful he addressed her personally. Shapiro highlighted her accomplishments as valedictorian, an artist, completing a program that prepared her for pre-med classes, as well as her volunteer work outside school.
“I love how he made it about us,” she said. “It’s cool that he came out to a high school graduation.”
Principal Renee Stevens learned two weeks ago the governor would be addressing the graduates. She said she felt his address was relatable to the students, adding the selfie was a nice surprise.
West Scranton High School was one of two the governor spoke at this week, the other being Pennsbury High School in Bucks County.