une 1 was the day the Northwestern Lehigh senior class members left high school behind and moved on to higher education, the military or to join the workforce. Commencement exercises were held at Stabler Arena, Lehigh University.

The Class of 1969 with spouses was invited to attend as part of their 50th reunion. Those who had graduates in the Class of 2019 were asked to present their family members with the diplomas. The directors on the school board received the same invitation. Among them were Marci Piescienski, John Casciano, Todd Hernandez, Aileen Yadush and Bill Dellicker.

Superintendent Jennifer Holman said she was glad everyone had come. She asked all to stand as Celeste Sukley sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Principal Aileen Yadush said the Class of 2019 was the 52nd commencement which she described as a celebration of the culmination of kindergarten through 12th grade.

“Our wish is that you take memories of your long journey with us,” she said.

Class President Nolan Hernandez said he was proud to speak.

The staff was always willing to lend a helping hand.

“People say the college years are the best time of your life but I don’t believe it. The moment we leave starts the rest of our lives regardless of where we go,” he said.

Elisa Pope sang “Read All About It.”

National Honor Society President Zachary Creighton and Science National Honor Society President Kelci Knirnschild announced the requirements for membership in the societies.

They asked their members to stand for recognition as they called their names.

Natalie Masetti spoke on the subject of “Discovering More.”

She said discovering more is excitement – not looking back to school responsibilities has become ours to decide what we want to do with our lives. We have to keep gazing at the stars. Although school is over, learning is not. We see people who are inflexible but we have been given the tools to be flexible.

Senior members - Sarah Danner, Andi Jordan Frano, Lauren Gruen, Alexandria Madeira, Kayla Rivera, Celeste Sukley and Sharon VanOmmeren - of The Naturalettes, an a cappella group, sang “Homeward Bound.”

Assistant Principal Donald Allen recognized senior award recipients. He said $50,000 was presented in scholarships.

School Board President Bill Dellicker commented on the milestone the seniors had reached.

“What a proud day for parents, friends and classmates,” Dellicker said. “Commencement begins the next day of your life.

“Celebrate the high school years as you begin your life’s journey.”

Soon-to-be-graduate Chloe Davis discussed seeing through the eyes of a child.

“A child is raised to adulthood. If a child came to our high school what would they think?” she asked. “Would they just see the rooms and equipment?

“Our class ran down the hall and worked for success. They may have dirty gym clothes but these children go through the hall with friends and laughter filled with determination.

“If you never ask why, you will never learn. Nourish the child’s imagination. Accept adulthood. Answer a child.”

Christopher Hippensteel said his high school career was coming to an end.

“The last football game, the last bonfire, the last day at middle school, and it was over, as well as many other things,” he said. “Each last says school is nearly over.

“In a year we’ll have a job. We need ‘lasts’ in our lives or there wouldn’t be firsts. Celebrate all you accomplished in the last four years.”

Holman then presented the Class of 2019.

“We celebrate student achievement. As you prepare to embark you have love from family and friends. You are determined to make an impression on our community,” Holman said.

“As you cross from student to adulthood it is an amazing accomplishment. Everyone had a part in it. You have earned the right to receive your diploma.”

Class advisors Janelle Keglovitz and Nicole Zimmerman told the graduates to turn their tassels when Hernandez turned his.

Yadush talked about a long list of activities, honors and memories at the end of the celebration. She said the graduates should leave the community better than they found it.

The Yearbook Committee sold the red carnations which were on the seats when the students entered.

The school provided yellow lilies which were presented as the graduates walked from Stabler Arena in search of their futures.