Family and friends watched joyfully Saturday as 170-plus seniors from the Class of 2017 officially moved from their secure lives at Northwestern Lehigh High School into the unknown future of work, college or the military during the school’s 60th annual graduation ceremony at Stabler Area, Bethlehem.

Northwestern Lehigh High School Principal Aileen M. Yadush opened the ceremony by addressing the soon-to-be graduates.

“Today, you begin a new phase in your life, one that extends beyond the walls of Northwestern Lehigh High School,” Yadush said. “As you move forward, we encourage you to embrace new situations with excitement, to meet new people, to experience new places and to be the creator of your destiny.

“As with every change that comes into your life, be sure to create new memories, experience life your way and pass on what you have learned on your journey with us and those who will come behind you.

Class President Ryan Overstrom, in his speech, “The Lyrics of Northwestern,” reminisced about their years in high school to lyrics from a variety of songs.

He chose “The Riddle” by Five for Fighting for their freshman year; “I Can’t Stop This Feeling” by Justin Timberlake for their sophomore year; “Home” by Phillip Phillips for their junior year; and “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons for their final year at the high school.

“All joking aside, senior year had moments we will remember such as the first day we were called seniors; joking with our friends in the senior chairs; Friday Night Lights; Mr. Northwestern and our prom,” Overstrom said. “While they were all great memories, they were bittersweet because our days together were coming to an end.

“Now, we have finally arrived at graduation, the song “Young Forever” by Jay Z captures a few of the feelings we are experiencing today.

Overstrom said while they are excited for their future, there still may be a sense of uncertainty, that is why they need to remember the lyrics, “Fear not when, fear not why, fear not much while were alive, life is for living, not living uptight” from “Young Forever.”

Class Speaker Athalie E. Fogal discussed the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up” in her speech, “When We Grow Up.”

“For some of us, the answer to this question has changed a million times. For others, the answer has remained the same, I don’t know,” Fogal stated.

She said it is ridiculous everyone is asked this question at all when they are young.

“The truth is, we will truly never be done growing up,” Fogal explained. “What do you want to be when you grow up should be a question we should ask ourselves every single day.

“Over the years, our questions will change as we change. No matter how many times we change our minds, our futures are bright, we have limitless potential to harness.”

Fellow Speaker Jobair Hereba in his talk, “Do What You Can’t,” addressed tackling life’s impossible challenges.

“We live in an age where there are two sides to achievement, the possible and the impossible,” he said. “The path to success is not always a straight line. We are bound to encounter problems while we are striving to realize our dreams.

“These challenges may beat us down and make us second guess our plans. While it is OK to feel this way, it is not OK to act on these feeling by giving up.”

He told his fellow classmates success requires more than just determination.

“Success demands courage and a relentless spirit and keeping your head up and brushing obstacles aside and propelling yourself toward your aspirations, Hereba said. “The best things in life are on the other side of terror, the other side of your maximum fear.

“Being told you can’t means nothing. The fact that my peers and I are standing here today is a testament to that mantra.”

“No one should be afraid to chase their dreams, to walk up to the seemingly impossible and conquer it.

“Remember the best things in life are on the other side of terror.”

Northwestern Lehigh School Board President Willard G. Dellicker and Superintendent Dr. Mary Anne Wright addressed the seniors briefly.

“Today is not an end, it is a beginning and today you are stepping into your future,” Dellicker said.

Wright told the seniors to take control of their own lives.

“You have the power to shape your behaviors, attitudes, dreams and ultimately your lives,” she explained. “As you move along the path you create don’t lose sight of the small experiences that make up your every day lives.

“I suggest that you shouldn’t get lost in all the planning of your future but also take time to live in the moment.”

“Moments are what make up your entire life, be sure to experience each and every one of them. If you do that and kept an eye toward your future you will be prepared to embrace life’s challenges and opportunities.”