Salisbury Township School District Superintendent Dr. Randy M. Ziegenfuss welcomed graduates, families, friends, staff and administrators to the 52nd commencement of the Salisbury High School Class of 2016.

Ziegenfuss noted how accomplished the Class of 2016 is in his opening remarks.

Of the 151 graduates, three are National Merit Scholar commended students, four are graduates from Salisbury’s virtual school, 22 students are graduates from Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, 129 students are pursuing higher education, two are entering military service and 17 are entering the workforce. Three are Freddy award winners, the first in over a decade and one is a track and field state champion.

“All total, the Class of 2016 has been offered $1.7 million in scholarships.”

Ziegenfuss said “Perhaps most striking about this group is its focus on doing good for others. Members of the Class of 2016 have contributed their time, energy and imaginations to the planning and implementation of many altruistic projects.”

The projects included building a free lending library, raising funds for Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, raising money for Linny Fowler’s kids scholarship fund, successful high school blood drives, initiating a squash club at the Jewish Community Center, organizing Hello Goodbye soccer games for students to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, Broadway night organizers raising funds for pediatric cancer, the creation of a “Someday I want to...” wall at the high school, the initiation of the enviro club and a recycling program and the best buddies program at the high school.

“I join your teachers, administrators, school board members and families in knowing you are well prepared for the successes and challenges that lie ahead.”

School board member and retired Salisbury Middle School teacher Carol A. Klinger took the Class of 2016 on a trip down memory lane to middle school, to recall orientation day for middle school, a fear of lockers, a fear of getting lost and a fear of not getting to class on time. Klinger showed the T-shirt the students signed for the Class of 2016 on the first day of sixth grade.

“As you embark on the next chapter of your life, I hope you take with you the lessons, the skills, the values we taught you along with the memories. Always remember where you came from. You are a Salisbury Falcon and the Salisbury family will always be here to support you and welcome you home. I wish all of you the best of luck with your future endeavors,” Klinger said.

Class of 2016 President Sarah M. Galantini provided remarks to the graduates, teachers, administrators, school board members and guests.

“We are small, we are different and everybody knows everybody. Here we have a say, we have a voice, because our teachers allow us to have one,” Galantini said.

“Compassion, empathy, kindness, selflessness, creativity, integrity and most importantly, in my opinion, initiative are a few of the many qualities our teachers have taught us over the years.”

Galantini said members of the Class of 2016 will be able to pitch new ideas, try something new and not be afraid to ask questions. “We will not be afraid to take the initiative to be different and this is all because of you - our Salisbury family.”

Salisbury High School Assistant Principal Brian A. Muschlitz introduced Salutatorian Ryan R. Fainor.

Fainor encouraged the graduates “to remember anyone who has ever been a leader for you and personally thank them after the ceremony.”

Fainor, one of three brothers graduating June 9, quoted his brother Matthew who requested Ryan “individually thank he and Joseph, not for being constant resources in and out of school but because they held back these past three years so I could be the one to stand here. So thank you.”

Fainor encouraged the graduates to “be the best you can be” and offered additional advice for the graduates’ success.

Valedictorian Catherine M. Kenyon thanked family members and faculty for the enormous impact they have made on their lives.

In writing her speech, Kenyon said, “Recreating 13 years of memories is as impossible as avoiding whooping cough at Salisbury.”

Kenyon made analogies to a favorite children’s book, “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney and the message to do something to make the world more beautiful.

To her fellow graduates, Kenyon said, “I feel confident that our time as a class and our time as a part of this Salisbury community has created an abundance of warmth and awkward memories so as we move forward, I ask you to remember one final thing. All you need to do to make a difference in this world is to make it a more beautiful place.”

The senior chorus members sang, “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King which was followed by additional award presentations.

Following the presentation of diplomas and the singing of the alma mater, the graduates and their families enjoyed a reception at the Arts Park, coordinated by the Class of 2017.