Emma McClafferty wanted to stay true to herself when she addressed her classmates at Marian Catholic High School graduation Friday night.

So the Salutatorian of the Class of 2019 decided to call upon the words of the most influential people in her childhood.

Surprisingly, the words of Spongebob Squarepants were just right for the occasion.

“You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory,” she said, choosing one of the cartoon character’s more reflective lines.

McClafferty was part of the 65-member Class of 2019, who received their diplomas in the high school gym.

While the class may be small in numbers, they have shown a large amount of promise, as shown by the more than $2.7 million in scholarships they have received.

Valedictorian Zachary Boyer got his classmates laughing by looking back on some of the humorous moments in his Marian career, but also got serious by saying there would be no satisfaction in achieving success if it was easy.

But Boyer said he’s confident that his classmates will achieve great things as long as they do it with effort, faith, and their Marian education.

“Giving full effort, taking pride in all that we come from and do, and being tough in the face of adversity is the way in which we dare to be great,” he said.

Boyer said growing up, he always saw Marian as a family atmosphere, and when he arrived, he saw how close it was.

While he was there, Boyer learned it was a loving family where no member was left behind.

“While we may be sad to leave it, we’re immensely proud and grateful to have been a part of it, because the experiences we shared,” he said.

Principal Jean Susko said the Class of 2019 accepted $2,675,400 worth of scholarships and awards prior to the graduation.

Another $35,706 in awards was given out at graduation bringing the total to more than $2.7 million.

“As a direct result of their academic achievement, dedication to extracurricular involvement, and their service-oriented lifestyles, the students were extended numerous financial awards,” Susko said.

Of the graduates, 60 of the 65 of them will continue into some form of higher education next year, and 49 of them will attend four-year colleges right away.

Susko talked about how the Marian family they enjoy goes far beyond their own class. She recognized members of the Class of 1969 at the 50th anniversary of their graduation. She said she hopes they inspire the Class of 2019.

She also encouraged them to stay active in their alma mater, and announced they would each receive a one-year membership to the Marian Alumni Association.

McClafferty pointed out that the ceremony may be the last time the Class of 2019 is in one room together. However, she said they will always be tied together by their Marian education.

“Over the last four years, we’ve formed some unbreakable bonds, made some unforgettable friendships, and enough memories to last a lifetime,” she said.