Emmaus High School held its 128th commencement ceremony June 10 at Stabler Arena, honoring the 659 graduates.

This year’s graduation remembered and honored Dr. Herman Corradetti, a past principal of the high school. In his memory, the Hall of Fame will be renamed the Dr. Herman Corradetti Hall of Fame.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductee is Sandhya Sriram. Sriram has scholastic achievements as well as volunteerism and athleticism. She was described as personable and self-confident.

Dr. Kate Kieres, principal of EHS, welcomed friends and family to the graduation, welcomed members of the Class of 1968 and presented members of the Class of 2018.

The first student speaker was the president of the class, Joel Sanchez who thanked his parents for being part of the journey.

Sanchez said each and everyone has the chance to change the world. He also said not to blame others for not accomplishing your goals.

Michael Brennan, president of National Honor Society, spoke about challenging yourself. “If you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to do your best, do it together.” Brennan thanked his parents and siblings. He also thanked friends and EHS staff for pushing the students to do their best.

Kayley Fry and Rachael Miller, representing Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, talked about being different, being an outsider in their speech. The pair suggested students look for other options. “We all don’t fit into a cookie cutter form.”

Both Fry and Miller were enrolled in the health care program at LCTI with skills acquired to be able to secure a job in health care.

John Sigafoos won the speech competition and talked about hope. “What hope? There are terrible things happening from being an orphan to being homeless.” Sigafoos suggested there is hope and a change in attitude is the answer. He suggested volunteering and said compassion makes this generation very generous. Sigafoos said there is also much diversity. “This is not a time of closure but a time of opportunity,” Sigafoos said.

Connie Arnold conducted the EHS Orchestra in “Pomp and Circumstance” and the EHS Chorale led “The Star Spangled Banner.” Rita Cortez, director, led the EHS Chorale in singing the Alma Mater.

Alan Earnshaw, president of the East Penn School Board of Directors, declared the students graduated.