Graduating seniors in Northwestern Lehigh’s Class of 2018 took the first step into their futures with 198 classmates completing their high school years during graduation ceremonies June 2 at Stabler Arena, Bethlehem. The class motto is “Our time is now.”

After leading the procession into the arena Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Holman, class advisors Patricia Mengel and Beth Johnson, Superintendent Dr. Mary Anne Wright, school board President Willard Dellicker, Assistant Principal Don Allen and Principal Aileen Yadush took their places on stage.

A brief welcome by high school Principal Aileen Yadush led into the introduction of Ashleigh Bottazzi, Connie Dazzo, Trinity Deppen, Aaron Green, Meghan McGorry, Morgan Moss, Ian Remaly and Kelty Tarvin who presented an acapella performance of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Yadush, on behalf of the administration and the Class of 2018, welcomed everyone to celebrate the remarkable young men and women who would soon be Northwestern Lehigh’s newest graduates.

“Their newest transition begins today,” Yadush said. “We wish you will create memories.

“Welcome to your graduation ceremony.”

She then introduced class President Ben Fry who spoke about his classmates “seizing the day.”

He congratulated the class for its monumental work.

“Northwestern is a small school as public schools go,” Fry said.

“This high school gave us things other schools don’t.

“You have an opportunity to look back 13 years as you go on, to take advantage of what comes your way.

“Do not allow complacency to keep you from doing what your want. Seize the opportunities that come your way.”

Following Fry, Morgan Moss gave a musical selection on the piano playing a lively Chopin etude.

Jason Woolley, National Honor Society president, asked society members to stand as their names were called.

To become a National Honor Society member, their grades must have been 93 or higher and two service activities must be completed each year.

Andrew White, Science National Honor Society president, asked those members to stand for recognition. Their qualifications were much like the NHS but their service project had to be science oriented.

Skyler Hancock spoke on the fact that “We Are all Geniuses.”

They were able to do many things in school above and beyond the standardized tests.

“We are not on the same time line,” Hancock said.

She explained that when applying to Washington College one question was “What animal would you like to be.

Hancock said her answer was, “A sloth.”

“For once in my life I’d like to just lay back and have moss growing on my back,” Hancock said. “No matter what kind of day we’re having, the diploma gives access to whatever we want to do.

“Be willing to work hard. We continue to learn every day. We’re all geniuses. Don’t worry.”

Willard Dellicker, school board president, told the graduates that this was their day as they commence the next chapter of their lives.

“Thank your friends, parents, all those who helped you,” Dellicker said. “It’s a beginning, a commencement.”

Meghan McGorry sang “Home” including the words “I’ll always keep you with me, always on my mind. Home is where you go to rest your bones.”

Assistant High School Principal Don Allen said both Northwestern and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute had award days. Eighty-two seniors earned academic and athletic awards.

Some $42,000 was donated to the schools by staff, local people and businesses for scholarships.

Following Allen, Sierra Shorts discussed “When We Were Kids.”

“There was a time when we believed in the tooth fairy,” Sierra said. “We think of all the possibilities. We do things that you’d do to establish individuality.

“We open the door. If you don’t understand a concept, ask.

“When we were kids we pretended to be princes and princesses. Remember the wonder.”

Superintendent Dr. Mary Anne Wright told the graduates they were the best students in the whole world. Congratulations on your successes.

From a book, she read seven measures for success:

1. The buck stops here. Make a decision and stand behind it.

2. I will keep wisdom. I’ll search it out and not look for someone to open doors.

3. Whether there is a choice of something or nothing, I will always choose to act.

4. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Be passionate about your vision for the future.

5. I choose to be happy each day beginning with laughter and a smile for every person I meet.

6. I will now and forever give forgiveness even to those who don’t ask.

7. I will persist without exception. I will continue despite exhaustion.

Then Wright presented the Class of 2018.

“By the powers invested in me by the board of education … they completed all academic standards and earned the right to receive a diploma,” she stated.

Yadush said Wright, who will retire at the end of June, worked to instill knowledge.

Three of the things she accomplished were to move to full-day kindergarten, three sports were added and the stadium was renovated.

Wright was then made an honorary member of the Class of 2018.

Yadush, who said the students were taking flight like the butterflies on the bulletin board at school, then summarized the school year.

“It has been a pleasure to share these memories with all of you,” Yadush told the Class of 2018.