By Patrick Connelly

Allied News Staff Writer

Living up to expectations can be a tough task, Grove City valedictorian Jordan Gruber told his classmates at Friday’s commencement.

It becomes even more difficult when you have to fight so hard just to have them, he said, citing his own battle with the high school’s administration just to give the traditional address as a prime example.

While it was without a doubt a challenge for Gruber to convince the school to give him the chance, the 18-year-old senior that will soon head to the U.S. Naval Academy passed on another.

“I challenge you to seek truths,” he told the class after reminding them just a few minutes before how their many talents have helped each of them make it this far in life.

And that shouldn’t stop, Gruber told them.

“I urge you to use (your talents) for good,” he said.

Through the ordeal of fighting for his right to speak, Gruber learned more than just a thing or two himself about seeking truths, he said.

The speech was eliminated as a part of the commencement ceremony before the 2008 event by former high school principal Joe Skibinski, Superintendent Robert Post said.

Though valedictory addresses are commonplace at practically all graduation proceedings, it was axed from the Grove City program to save time – the high school’s seen more students than any other in Mercer County receive diplomas the past few years.

But the call was also based on the content of past speeches, Post said.

Gruber took the issue to the school board and was even backed by Courtney Bright – the 2007 valedictorian, who was the last to be permitted to speak.

Before the school board could rule, the administration later reversed its veto, giving Gruber three minutes in front of the class.