The valedictorian of Marian High School assured fellow graduates of the Class of 2022 that everything happens for a reason.

“These words are ones that all of us hear from time to time, invoking a range of emotions anywhere from comfort to anger if their use is poorly timed,” Lauren Reaman said during Thursday evening’s commencement exercises at the Hometown school’s gymnasium.

“It is a message that reflects the scope of our lives.”

Reaman noted that individuals face struggles of different intensities each day.

“Sometimes it may feel like we’re being pushed down a never-ending hallway, having no control over where we are going, getting thrown through new doors, both good and bad, and starting new chapters of our lives when we don’t feel ready,” she said.

And while Reaman said change is one of the most frightening things a person can encounter, she said it can be beautiful because it allows a person to choose a reaction.

“While we will always naturally find ourselves filled with fear, my hope is that we can always look for the positive, knowing that what we experience has potential to help us become the people we are meant to be,” she said.

Reaman expressed her thanks to family, friends, classmates and Marian faculty.

“Marian Catholic is an immensely special place, and I am so blessed to have been a part of it. Now that we are at the end of our path together I wish you all the absolute best, may you find peace and happiness wherever life takes you,” she said.

Salutatorian Walter Pavlik called the day one of celebration and gratitude for the 57 graduates.

“Today is the most significant and life-altering achievement most of us can claim to date,” he said.

Pavlik recalled starting classes at Marian as a freshman.

“Each of us had a vision of what high school would bring, whether it was academically, athletically, artistically or spiritually. We set goals, worked hard, and we are standing here today as confident graduates,” he said.

Over the years, he said, classmates learned not to take anything for granted.

“We learned how to navigate through challenging times together, not only as classmates but as friends. We learned how to listen and learn in new ways,” Pavlik said.

“These valuable lessons will remain with us forever. Our high school years are forever defined by our resilience and our ability to overcome obstacles.”

Michael Brennan, head of school, led the conferring of diplomas.

The commencement followed a Baccalaureate Mass celebrated by the Rev. Brian M. Miller, the school’s chaplain, and concelebrated by local parish pastors.