Harrisburg High to Graduate 300+ Seniors June 13; District Highlights Grief and Mental‑health Supports

Kirsten Keys, public relations coordinator for the Harrisburg School District, announced that Harrisburg High School will hold its commencement on Saturday, June 13, with gates opening at 9:00 a.m. and the ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m. She said the class will include more than 300 graduating seniors and that each graduate has 10 tickets for guests.

The broadcast paired a student voice with a health-care leader to address both celebration and community grief. Israel, identified on the program as a graduating senior who plans to major in marketing, said college preparation—applications and scholarships—had been the toughest part of high school but that she was “very excited to meet new people” as she begins college.

Dr. Brenda Alton, introduced as director of community relations and spiritual care for UPMC, framed her remarks around resilience and mental‑health support. “Always remember your why,” Alton said, adding that a clear purpose helps students persevere when “it gets tough.” She urged parents and guardians to stay connected, make special moments with young people and follow up when students respond that they are “fine.”

The program directly addressed recent community losses. Keys named two students who died and said many students have felt heightened anxiety and insecurity. Israel described peers as “deeply affected” and said some “probably don't feel as safe anymore.” The district said it has coordinated grief support since the incidents and credited the superintendent, the director of social work and counselors for being proactive in outreach.

Speakers listed local resources for anyone seeking immediate help. The broadcast repeated Dolphin County Crisis Intervention’s 24‑hour hotline as 717‑232‑7511 and provided the Harrisburg School District main number, 717‑703‑4000, for families seeking assistance or referrals. Alton and Keys also mentioned UPMC behavioral health services and community partners that can help connect families to ongoing counseling and support.

Alton recommended simple, evidence‑based supports for students: listen without minimizing pain, offer ongoing contact, encourage healthy sleep, exercise and community involvement, and train advisors and counselors in basic mental‑health first aid. She described affirmation—acknowledging a student’s feelings and “meeting people where they are”—as a key practice for adults who work with young people.

The district reiterated that its administration building will remain available over the summer for families needing help and that community partners, including local faith‑community health connections, can assist in connecting residents to services. Keys closed the program by thanking Dr. Alton and Israel and wishing the class of 2026 well.

What’s next: graduation proceeds June 13 at Severance Field. Families with questions were directed to the district main line at 717‑703‑4000 or to the crisis hotline at 717‑232‑7511.