The 58th commencement program for the Northwestern Lehigh School District took place June 6 at Stabler Arena, Lehigh University.

One hundred sixty-four members of the Class of 2015 left secondary school behind to move on to further education, the military or occupations.

Superintendent Mary Anne Wright said there is a great deal of tradition in commencement exercises, with clothing indicating such things as to where she attended school.

For the students, sashes show the honor societies to which they belonged and more.

The presentations stressed the importance of people in the lives of the soon-to-be-graduates, though the school and community were important.

The program opened with the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by Devon Devers, Daneen Haas and Jaedon Muhl.

Flags were flying overhead on screens during the anthem.

High School Principal Aileen Yadush welcomed those attending and "especially the stars of today's show, the graduation class of 2015. We celebrate their accomplishments. Your new journey begins today."

Class President Jordan Schnur said the class has been making history in relationships shared over four years of high school.

"We can change the world, we can make a difference together," she said. "Look back at your years here."

Alexis Gawelko said each of the class members played a vital role.

The philosophy of the Class of 2015 is :"I am what I am. There is an affirming of others."

She said they worked as individuals and as a whole in the events of the past years.

They learned from tiny African villages to the small community of New Tripoli. There were many supportive teachers along the way and now they will transition from their small community to college, the military or jobs.

"Cristofori's Dream" was played on the piano by Herbert "Trey" Shackleton III.

Presidents Kelsey White and Alessandro Consuelos called upon members of National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society to stand.

As the next speakerConsuelos said he wished to say the classmates would be friends forever but that it was not necessarily true.

"We will be going our separate ways."

School involved a lot of numbers from grades, scores, athletic scores, competition scores but it is not the quantitative values that are important but the qualitative ones with friends and mentors.

At the end it is the anecdotal things such as football games that are important. We cherish the many memorial moments. Each one is a piece of the tapestry of high school.

"The people we met and things we did. People are more important than what was done," he said.

Board President Paul Fisher thanked the parents, guardians, siblings and friends. We recognize and commend you for the passion and commitment to inspire the students. The senior class has eagerly waited for this day.

"We applaud this class, your collective hard work and outstanding leadership. As you prepare to turn your tassel, Tiger Pride is forever a part of you," said Fisher. "Learning is a lifelong endeavor."

Kaylee Rex said the class turned from scared freshmen to independent seniors.

"Our photographs will grow old. As a class we remember the morning announcements, academic competitions, science team, LCTI, and we will remember the people. Remember what Northwestern Lehigh has taught you inside and outside the classroom," said Rex.

Assistant Principal Don Allen said $40,000 in scholarships were presented. He thanked the local community members who made donations and asked all recipients to stand. There were 80 who received awards.

Alympia Haupt, accompanied by Kristen Post on piano, sang "100 years."

Wright told the class they left a positive legacy in the community. They have contributed to each other. Teachers have said they are going to miss you. You took care of each other. It is said a person meets 10,000 people in a lifetime. I met 29,418 students, parents and school employees.

"Take what you learned and change the world. You made a difference in the lives of family and friends.

She said she went to the football field and two students came up to her and said they wanted school on the Friday of Labor Day weekend so the footballers would not just be lazying around.

When she refused, they reached out and got the football team to come in.

"How many more human beings will you help by being part of their life. You already began to change the world. The Northwestern community is a special place. I hereby certify that the students sitting before me have earned the right to receive their diplomas," Wright said.

Advisors Linda Paist and Michael Sikora presided over the turning of tassels.

In a farewell message, Yadush took the class on a walk through the events and competitions of their school life. Parents were asked to rise and be acknowledged.

See additional photos on web page.