If there was one lesson to be learned at Jim Thorpe Area High School’s graduation ceremony on Friday night, it was to make every moment matter.

The class of 2018 has seen plenty of hardships, including the loss of three fellow students. Despite the pain, they celebrated growth, change and an optimistic view to their futures.

The school saw a total of 134 students graduate, with 125 receiving their diplomas at the commencement in the school gymnasium.

Honorary diplomas were presented to the parents of Jasmine Fonseca and Taylor Shepherdson, who died in a crash in August of 2015. Tyler Kowatch, who died from heart complications, was also recognized for earning his diploma.

Principal Thomas Lesisko congratulated the students on their dedication and drive to succeed, reminding them that they have already accomplished so much in their lives.

“I thank you for your achievements, academically, athletically and spiritually. You are an amazing class, and you have done so much in your four years here. You accomplishments are immortalized on our walls, in our trophy cases, and in our yearbooks,” he said. “Always remember, no challenge is too great. You will always be an Olympian.”

Class President Trevor Keefer highlighted the importance of appreciating all aspects in life. Reminiscing on tough times following the loss of close classmates, Keefer spoke of the incredible sense of community support that followed. Capping off the speech, he offered a small but powerful piece of advice for the class.

“For me, as much as high school was about the grades and making sure I got into college, it was also about creating memories. And in college, as much as it should be about making sure you set yourself up for a comfortable life with a good degree, it’s about making memories that will last a lifetime. So, study when you have to, but don’t forget to go out and have fun,” he said.

Salutatorian Ian Montelius spoke on the concept of growth, spanning from his early days as a nervous freshman who struggled to present a project in front of a class up to graduation night, where he confidently congratulated each and every Olympian who made a mark on the school.

“Although saying that we are in the class of ‘great-teen’ sounds pretty cheesy, I think it’s accurate,” he said. “We have truly achieved greatness in this school, and we’ve accomplished things here that will last a lifetime. We’ve etched ourselves into the history of this school, and we take great pride in that.

“The memories, the achievements, the friendships, and so many other things are so strong within our class, that you just can’t help but feel pride to know that you’re graduating with some of the greatest people you’ll ever meet in your life.”

Valedictorian Kayley Kovac split time between the spoken word and song in her speech. Focusing on the fragile gift of life, she stressed the importance of making the most of the moment at hand.

“The only thing that I can challenge you all to do is, regardless of whether your day has been good or bad, when you come home at night, be sure to dance in the moonlight. It is a blessing to be here each and every day,” she said before breaking into a number that wove columnist Mary Schmich’s famous “Wear Sunscreen” speech with pieces of 1970s rock band King Harvest’s hit “Dancing in the Moonlight.”

Following the presentation of diplomas, superintendent Brian Gasper took to the stand, though his speech was momentarily interrupted when a spectator in the bleachers required emergency medical attention.

Once the woman was safely escorted out by first responders, Gasper was able to dive into his legendary music reference speech.

“In this chapter, today, your book begins, but the rest is still unwritten. I leave you, this class, the class of 2018, with this remark — dream on, dream on, dream until your dreams come true,” he said, congratulating the new graduates.