Family members and friends of the 67 Moravian Academy graduating seniors filled the lawn of the Bethlehem Merle-Smith Campus at commencement May 30.

The ceremony opened with a prayer by the All-School Chaplain, Reverend Jennifer Nichols, in which she spoke about the character of the graduating class.

"We are grateful for Moravian Academy's Class of 2015; this unique collection of joyful individuals, of passionate souls and decent human beings. During the years we have known them, we have each been challenged and changed by their commanding intellect, dynamic energy and engaging spirit. We have been impressed by the broad array of their interests, their outstanding skill and the dedication to which they fulfill their commitments," said Nichols.

Class president Kara Chyung chose to address these same features within her speech, speaking to the varied talents and interests of her peers. However, instead of offering the traditional advice given to seniors, Chyung chose to to remind her fellow graduates that character is more important than success.

"As we gain more and more independence, we're often told that we should strive to leave our mark on the world. ... It's great to want to leave an impact on the world and to do something remarkable and I know that all of you are capable of doing so. But not everyone can become president or invent Facebook and really, you don't have to. Don't feel compelled to do something completely out of the box because you think the that's the only place where meaning is achieved," said Chyung. "The world needs less greatness and more goodness."

The class of 2015 was then presented by Brian D. Kelly, director of the Upper School. He spoke of their devotion to academics, athletics, arts and other passions, adding that they set high standards for the classes to follow.

"They have challenged themselves to make full use of their time and talents, to contribute to others in fulfillment of the mission of Moravian Academy, to be educated in mind, body and spirit. Their achievements are remarkable."

Following the reminiscences of watching the students grow from pre-K through senior year given by Board of Trustees Chair Robert H. Brown, the 22 students who attended the school since pre-K, kindergarten and first grade were recognized by Headmaster George N. King Jr.

As each student was handed their diploma, King made remarks about the students' personalities and interests, as well as the colleges they had committed to, intended majors and awards or scholarships they received, before again presenting the class of 2015.

"Fame isn't important and failure is okay. I realize that this isn't the most motivating of messages, but in all honesty, what I wanted to say is this: that even the best advice doesn't give us all the answers," Chyung said. "But maybe not having the answers is what will inspire us to keep learning and growing up to be good human beings."