Family and friends gathered for the first time in two years at Northwestern Lehigh High School’s Tiger Stadium on Friday to watch as 192 seniors graduated high school at the school’s 65th annual commencement ceremony.

Northwestern Lehigh High School Principal Aileen M. Yadush opened the ceremony by addressing the soon-to-be graduates.

“As you listen to your fellow classmates this evening remember that your newest transition begins today. Today begins a new phase in your life one that extends beyond the walls of Northwestern Lehigh High School,” she said.

“As with every change that you encounter in your life our wish for you is that you create new memories as you experience life in your way and pass on what you have learned along your journey to those who will come behind you.”

Class President Jocelyn S. Bernhard told her fellow classmates that “Today is an exciting day for each and every one of you. It is the end of a chapter … what a chapter it has been. It began like so many others before it.

“We were lucky enough to have our final year of our scholastic careers surrounded by the dedicated teachers who guided us through the last four years and the friends we spent the last 12 years forming unbreakable bonds with and forging unforgettable memories.

“It is undeniable that ending this chapter with them is much more meaningful than a conclusion reached in the blue glow of a computer screen.”

She stated though all the highs and lows of these last four years have been amazing, they are ones that she was immensely proud to be a part of.

Bernhard said now that they are at the end of those four years at their high school graduation, they are again at a new chapter in life, unsure of what will come next for them.

“Whether we are going to college, trade school, the work force or whatever the future holds I am sure it will be full of new, exciting, and rewarding experiences,” she said.

School board President Willard G. Dellicker welcomed everyone back to the school district’s hometown stadium before addressing the graduating seniors directly. He told the seniors they have certainly experienced a couple of years of uncertainty, isolation, and fear during their COVID years in high school.

“Recall those times in high school to help you find the spirit and strength to overcome any adversity you face as you successfully navigate through life’s journey.

“So be strong in your faith, be strong in your ability and remember you are part of the Class of 2022 who has already showed that you can overcome challenge and disappointment.”

Superintendent Jennifer Holman told the graduates they will cross the threshold from high school to adulthood as they gather their diploma.

“We are incredibly proud of each of you, and we are excited to hear what the future holds for each of you,” she said.

“Whether you are going on to higher education, into the work force or the military it is important that you take time to think back to your school days and remember those who helped you get to where you are now.”

She closed by telling the seniors as they receive their diplomas they can finally look forward to a future of unlimited possibilities.

Northwestern Assistant Principal Matthew Givler also recognized the 67 senior award recipients who were recently honored by the school district, Lehigh Career and Technical Institute award ceremony.

He said this year awards were given for excellence in extracurricular activities and athletics as well as for traditional and technical academic success.

“This year deserving Northwestern Lehigh seniors were gifted over $59,000 in scholarships and awards from the Northwestern Lehigh School District, faculty and staff, local businesses and national organization,” Givler said.

Callie Huber, class speaker, in her speech “Follow the Road less Traveled” told the seniors she struggled to find a topic she wanted to talk about until she really listened to the song “Road Less Traveled” by Lauren Alana.

“In her song, Lauren Alana sings you can’t make a name if you follow the rules,” she said.

“Each and every one of us have a different story. I am sure some of us were influenced by people on what we should do when we graduate but now it is time for us to choose,” she said.

“We will leave here tonight with our new road maybe chosen or maybe not. Everyone here will find a new road less traveled.”