It's hard to fathom that the 2012-13 school year is already over. It feels like the year just started. Although each school year is similar in routine and procedure, they are also as unique and individual as fingerprints. In one aspect or another, our Catasauqua High School teachers powerfully impact the lives of each one of our students. Each classroom is an extended family and community who live, work and coexist together for nine months. The month of June closes the door on many months of establishing teacher-student relationships.

The end of the school year, combined with the sunshine and warmer temperatures of spring, signal new student transitions. Whether you are a student beginning high school or a graduate heading off to college, each would be compared to an adult beginning a new job every year. Students move into a new environment, they are given new expectations and surrounded by a new peer group. The end of the school year is filled with many different perspectives and a whole new set of issues.

In this final column of the school year, I take this opportunity to congratulate those who completed their educational requirements and graduated with the CHS Class of 2013.

I would also like to thank our high school teachers, Mr. Post, Mr. Fahringer and Mr. Caden, for their outstanding educational careers as they retire.

A thank you goes out to the student body, teachers and community as they continue to support Mr. Whitehead's battle with his illness. We look forward to him returning for the 2013-14 school year.

Best of luck to CHS coach Dennis Kelly during his upcoming bike ride in memory of Mr. Dale Edwards. With the help of CASD staff and community members, he has raised $1,200 for the fundraising ride to fight cancer. Riding with him will be former CHS Girls Soccer coach Bob Docherty and two CHS graduates, Debbie Gemmel and Tom Nicklas.

Congratulations to all of the 2013 student athletes and teams on their tremendous accomplishments this year. I wish the senior athletes the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Best of luck to Mr. Domchek as he begins a new chapter in his career as principal in the Pen Argyl School District. He will be missed.

And to the new and returning underclassman at CHS, I wish a safe and enjoyable summer vacation.