Stabler Arena was the site for Northwestern Lehigh’s graduation ceremony on Saturday with 198 students completing their high school years. After leading the procession into the arena, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Holman, class advisers Patricia Mengel and Beth Johnson, Superintendent Mary Anne Wright, school board President Willard Dellicker, assistant Principal Don Allen, and Principal Aileen Yadush take their places on the stage.

A brief welcome by high school Principal Aileen Yadush led into the introduction of Ashleigh Bottazzi, Connie Dazzo, Trinity Deppen, Aaron Green, Meghan McGorry, Morgan Moss, Ian Remaly and Kelty Tarvin who gave an a cappella performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Yadush introduced class President Ben Fry, who congratulated the class for its monumental work.

“Northwestern is a small school as public schools go. This high school gave us things other schools don’t. You have an opportunity to look back 13 years as you go on to take advantage of what comes your way.

“Do not allow complacency to keep you from doing what your want. Seize the opportunities that come your way.”

Morgan Moss gave a musical selection on the piano playing Chopin’s lively “Etude No. 25 opus 11.”

Jason Woolley, National Honor Society president, asked society members to stand as their names were called. To become a National Honor Society member grades must have been 93 or higher and two service activities must be completed each year.

Andrew White, Science National Honor Society president, asked those members to stand for recognition. Their qualifications were much like the NHS but their service project had to be science oriented.

Skyler Hancock spoke on “We Are All Geniuses.” They were able to do many things in school above and beyond the standardized tests. We are not on the same timeline.

“No matter what kind of day we’re having, the diploma gives access to whatever we want to do. Be willing to work hard. We continue to learn every day. We’re all geniuses. Don’t worry.”

School board President Willard Dellicker told the graduates that this was their day as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

“Thank your friends, parents, all those who helped you. It’s a beginning, a commencement.”

Meghan McGorry sang “Home,” including the words “I’ll always keep you with me, always on my mind. Home is where you go to rest your bones.”

Assistant high school Principal Don Allen said both Northwestern and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute held awards days. Eighty-two seniors earned academic and athletic awards, and $42,000 was donated to the schools by staff, local people and businesses for scholarships.

Sierra Shorts talked about “When We Were Kids.” There was a time when we believed in the tooth fairy. We think of all the possibilities. We do things that you’d do to establish individuality. We open the door.”

Superintendent Mary Anne Wright told the graduates they were the best students in the whole world, and called them awesome. “Congratulations on your successes.”

Yadush said Wright, who will retire at the end of June, worked to instill knowledge. Three of the things she accomplished were to move to a full-day kindergarten, three sports were added and the stadium was renovated.

Wright was made an honorary member of the Class of 2018.

Yadush said the students were taking flight like the butterflies on the bulletin board at school.

“It has been a pleasure to share these memories with all of you,” Yadush said.