Avella Junior/Senior High School will hold its commencement exercises at 7 p.m. June 5 in the high school gymnasium.

The valedictorian is Chris Stokum. Stokum, a son of Gary and Sondra Stokum, is a recipient of the Scholastic Art Awards Gold Key, University of Pittsburgh Academic Merit Scholarship, Ashley K. Bruce Memorial Scholarship and John Philip Sousa Award.

A brass section leader in the marching band, Stokum also was Drama Club president and in the school play, Academic Team captain, student council representative, National Honor Society vice president and member of the debate team, Model United Nations Team and gifted program.

He volunteered at the Washington Hospital emergency room and critical care unit, was a Young Observer for the Observer-Reporter, is employed by Old Navy and is a member of Hickory United Presbyterian Church.

He will attend the University of Pittsburgh with a major in chemistry and English writing.

The salutatorian is Conrad Pflasterer. Pflasterer, a son of Robin and Tom Pflasterer, lettered in rifle for four years, participating in WPIALS and in state championships. He also lettered in cross country for two years and was a member of the track team for one season.

He is a member of National Honor Society, serving as recording secretary. He was homecoming king.

He was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout for his part in the recreation of a Lenape hunting camp at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life.

A student of martial arts at The Dojo in Washington, he earned his first degree black belt in Aikido earlier this year.

He will begin studies in engineering this fall at Virginia Tech and will be a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Ashley Ritchey, a daughter of Jeaneen and Walt Thieroff, placed third in her class; Bethanie Kern, a daughter of Jody and Charles Kern, placed fourth; Meghan Brownlee, a daughter of Mark and Dawn Brownlee, placed fifth, and Olivia Evans, a daughter of Debra and Benjamin Evans, placed sixth.

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