by Principal Orelli, Keynote Speaker @ the Peer Leader Banquet, April 29, 2026

Good evening everyone,

It is truly an honor to stand before you tonight as Principal of the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center and speak to one of the most outstanding groups in our building—our Peer Leadership students. Tonight is a celebration of service, leadership, commitment, and the impact that young people can have when they choose to lead by example.

Over my 20 years at the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center, I have had the privilege of working with many student organizations, clubs, and groups. I can say without hesitation that not one other group has done as much for this school and for our community as our Peer Leaders. Year after year, they have stepped forward to give their time, their energy, and their hearts to make a difference. Whether it has been organizing events, helping fellow students, supporting charitable causes, mentoring younger students, or representing our school with pride, the Peer Leaders have consistently set the standard for what it means to serve others.

That kind of success does not happen by accident. It happens because of dedicated leadership and guidance. We are incredibly fortunate to have had two remarkable advisors who have shaped this program into what it is today. Miss Geri Palumbo laid the foundation and built a culture of excellence, service, and pride. Today, Mrs. Donna Pasterik continues that tradition, guiding these students with the same passion, care, and commitment. Both of these women have invested countless hours into helping students grow not only as leaders, but as people. We owe them our sincere gratitude.

The importance of student leadership in a school cannot be overstated. Every building needs student voices. Every building needs students who are willing to step up, set the tone, and create a positive culture. Teachers and administrators can establish expectations, but it is student leaders who truly shape the spirit of a school. When younger students see their peers doing the right thing, helping others, showing kindness, and working hard, it sends a message that leadership is not about titles—it is about actions.

Peer Leaders have shown us that leadership means being dependable. It means showing up when you are needed. It means doing the extra work when nobody is watching. It means encouraging someone who is struggling, welcoming someone who feels left out, and making decisions that help others instead of only yourself. Those are lessons that matter in high school—but they matter even more in life.

For our seniors, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations. You have set an example for the underclassmen through your actions, your service, and your character. You have represented this school with pride, and you have left your mark on the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center. The habits you developed here—teamwork, responsibility, communication, perseverance, and compassion—will serve you for the rest of your lives. Whether you go directly into the workforce, continue your education, join the military, or pursue another path, those leadership skills will open doors and create opportunities.

Years from now, you may not remember every meeting you attended or every event you planned, but you will remember what it felt like to make a difference. You will remember what it meant to work together toward a common goal. You will remember that leadership is not something you do once—it is something you carry with you wherever you go.

To our underclassmen, tonight is also a challenge to you. The seniors before you have set a high standard. They have built something special. Now it is your turn to carry on the tradition. Your responsibility is not simply to hold the line, but to exceed it. Build on what has been started. Find new ways to serve. Bring fresh ideas. Continue the tradition of excellence that has made this group so respected in our school and community.

Leadership is not easy. It requires sacrifice, effort, and accountability. But it is always worth it. The world needs leaders who care about others, who work hard, and who are willing to stand up for what is right. Looking around this room tonight, I am confident that the future is bright because those leaders are here among us.

To all of our Peer Leaders—past, present, and future—thank you for everything you do for our school, for our students, and for our community. You make the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center a better place each and every day.

Congratulations to our seniors, best wishes to all of you, and may you continue to lead with pride, purpose, and heart.

Thank you.