Josh Shapiro had plans to be a doctor and play in the NBA. But on the day he got cut from the University of Rochester’s basketball team, he also flunked out of the pre-med program, he told the West Scranton High School's class of 2025 on Wednesday night.
“Sometimes when your path takes an unexpected turn and yours certainly will, it is just the first step to an even more incredible opportunity ahead,” Pennsylvania’s governor told the graduates of the Lackawanna County school. “The reason I wanted to be a doctor was because I wanted to help others, and I found a different way to serve others. Listen, when I was sitting where you were, I definitely didn't think I'd be governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
More than 125,000 Pennsylvania students will graduate from high school by the end of the month. Shapiro spoke to the 335 West Scranton grads partially due to Drew Popish, his Northeast regional director — and a proud Invader alumnus. Jason Kavulich, secretary of the Department of Aging, is also a West Scranton graduate.
Students erupted in applause and laughter as Shapiro made a “W” with his fingers. He plans to speak to graduates of Pennsbury High School, in Bucks County, on Thursday.
Much of his nearly 20-minute speech inside the Lackawanna College Student Union gymnasium focused on students following their own paths.
“You are a great representation of the diversity of opportunity that exists right here in Pennsylvania,” he said. “Each of you, no matter what path you choose, has the opportunity now to be successful thanks to what you learned here at West.”
Ava Wallace, who delivered the invocation, plans to follow a path to SUNY Cortland to study musical theater.
“I was so happy that he was able to come here to our graduation today. We all really appreciated it,” she said. “I loved everything he had to say.”
Valedictorian Valerie Ayala will take her path to Villanova University to study biology and French.
“I'm very happy he attended.” she said. “I definitely learned how to persevere, how to stay strong and how to trust in God and always know that there is a way out.”
Principal Renee Stevens said West was honored to host the governor.
“Our kids everywhere are not without their challenges. They've overcome them to get here tonight, and they're going to face adversity in the future,” she said. “I think what he said was just so meaningful.”
Shapiro also took the opportunity to highlight his administration's efforts to increase education funding — which includes a 38% increase in state funding in Scranton, he said.
"Those dollars that we've invested have meant an opportunity to renovate wood shop and buy new equipment so you could learn new skills with modern tools, expand arts and music, giving some of you the chance to perform the 'Wizard of Oz' on the stage at the Ritz this year," he said.
His remarks reached not just the immediate audience but a broader stage with a portion of the ceremony, including Shapiro's speech, streamed live on the governor's official Facebook page.
Before leaving stage, Shapiro took a selfie with the graduates and offered parting advice.
“I want you to know that I believe there are many different paths that journey can take you down. And hear me on this. There is no wrong path. There's only your path,” he said. “If you remember just one thing from our time together here tonight, remember that your governor showed up here tonight because he gives a [darn] about you, and he asked you to go out there and blaze your own trail.”
