“Stay close,” the 182 graduates in the class of 2019 were told at Bethlehem Catholic HS’s graduation, June 5 at the high school auditorium.

During his Invocation, school chaplain Rev. Kevin Bobbin urged graduates to stay close to the school, to each other and to God.

A prayer in the graduation program told the graduates of how much the school community celebrates their achievements.

“Today we celebrate what you have become and look forward with hope to the bright promise of the future that God has prepared for you.” The prayer asked God to “Guide them on their journey through life. As they step forward into the world that awaits, strengthen their resolve to follow the paths you have chosen for them as modern-day disciples of Jesus, your Son.”

Student speaker Morgan Altmose recalled that sometimes during their school years, teachers had to enforce rules.

“We may not appreciate limitations, but at the end of the day they are always for our best.” She said that among the greatest lessons were how to get along.

“We learned to appreciate our differences,” she said.

Altmose said other valuable lessons for students included how to discover their own skills and “use those talents to the best of our ability.” She added that the class has a diverse set of talents, including academic, athletic and artistic.

“We have a little bit of everything.” But the most valuable lesson, she said, is “faith to exceed that standard” and keep learning and improving.

Student speaker Juilin “Zoe” Dai reflected on how friendships made during high school were important, even though students are now going in different directions. She urged classmates to keep those friendships in the future.

“Make time ahead of time. Life depends on it,” she said.

The graduation ceremony included recognition for valedictorian Julia Zambo and salutatorian Kaitlyn Hartman. Lighthearted moments included taking a selfie while crossing the stage to receive a diploma and cheers and encouragement called out by friends and family members in the audience.

Principal Holly DeNofa said the school community looks forward to seeing what the graduates will do in the future.

“How will you affect the world?” she wondered. The choices facing the graduates as they go into the world can be confusing.

“Continue to amaze us” with skill, talent and altruism,” DeNofa urged the graduates. “We will always be supportive and praying for you.”