Carbon Career & Technical Institute graduate Julia Romankow had a special surprise Friday night.

Her brother, Alexander Romankow came from on leave from the U.S. Navy to present her diploma.

Their parents, Carly and James Romankow from Lansford, were equally surprised as they watched their daughter receive her diploma as a graduate of the graphic design department.

Valerie Kruslicky, a student of the Carbon Career & Technical Institute’s Graphic Design Department and school valedictorian, spoke to the Class of 2024 at the Commencement program at the school in Jim Thorpe on Friday.

“Today we celebrate the years of hard work and success that we all have worked for,” she said.

Kruslicky pointed out that while the Class of 2024 achieved great things, they need to offer thanks.

“Everyone has their own person or people that come to mind,” Kruslicky continued. “For me, it’s my parents. My mom taught me how to be kind when others weren’t. She showed me how to stand up for myself when faced with conflict. My dad pushed me to succeed academically (except in chemistry) and taught me how to be myself.”

And shaped Kruslicky into who she is today.

“Both of my parents gave me the strength to get onto this stage today and to persevere through this speech,” she said. “They are the people who molded me into the person that I am today, so, thank you for all that you’ve done for me.”

Ninety-five students from 14 departments graduated Friday night from CCTI.

Robert Craig, a culinary arts student and class salutatorian, echoed Kruslicky’s thoughts.

“Though I made it difficult (sorry Mrs. Sablich), I cannot express my gratitude to all of the teachers here, for giving your time to me, to us all, in order to share your knowledge, in order to share your experience, with all of us,” Craig said. “Being a teacher can be a thankless gig, but you should all leave here today with a thousand ‘thank you’s.’?”

Craig also pointed out that the graduates should be proud of themselves.

“We have all completed this chapter in our lives, and I hope everyone is just as excited as I am to begin the next one,” he said.

Dominic Collins, CCTI senior class president, was reflective as he looked back on his time with friends, family and teachers.

“Well, I guess that is it,” Collins said. “We have done our four years, and the class of 2024 is ready to graduate. We’ve had some amazing times together here and we are extremely thankful to all of the friends, family and teachers who helped us make it through. We tried to follow in the words of Frank Ocean, ‘You just do what you can, and you have as much fun as possible,’ and that’s what we did. We made memories that will stay with us indefinitely.”

Collins advised all in attendance that the class of 2024 will be the next generation of skilled workers.

“From medical professionals to mechanics, chefs and computer engineers,” he said. “Some of the graduates will be joining the military while others will be continuing their education in college.”

The various technical department teachers presented the diplomas to the students.

Emily Kemmerer sang the national anthem. Administrative Director David Reinbold addressed the graduating class, as did CCTI Principal Michelle Allen.

The class officers led their classmates in the tassel ceremony, and Reinbold announced the Class of 2024 officially graduated.