Emmaus High School’s 129th commencement ceremony June 9 had a change of venue this year. The PPL Center, in Allentown, was the site of this year’s graduation with 696 students graduating and over 120 of those students graduating with honors.

The event began with “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the EHS orchestra under the direction of Connie Arnold, followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The alma mater was performed by the EHS Chorale under the direction of Rita Cortez. The chorale also performed “Imagine” arranged by Ben Bram.

Dr. Kate Kieres, principal of EHS, welcomed and introduced the Class of 1969. Kristen Campbell, superintendent of schools handed out diplomas with the help of district personnel.

Jeremy Sanville, president of the Class of 2019, raised the questions every graduate hears, “What’s next? What are you doing when you graduate? “Are you going to college, joining the military, going to a trade school, joining the work force?” Sanville responded by quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson with “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Sanville went on to say having good intentions and a kind heart are important. “To be in pursuit of a better world one person at a time.”

Kevin Ge was introduced by Assistant Principal for the Class of 2019 Tabitha Rodriguez. Ge was inducted into the Hall of Fame with a GPA of 4.56 and numerous academic and athletic awards including Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences and National Honor Society. Among his many achievements, Ge was also recognized as a leader and scholar. He held offices in a math club as well as STEM. He received an award for tennis and was the volunteer tennis coach for the girls tennis team. A painting of Ge will hang with others in this category.

William Bassett, president of National Honor Society, spoke about choices for the future. Choices can be made in all walks of life. “What is important is to push ourselves out of our comfort zone.”

The speaker for the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute program was Zachary Klucsaritts who said he went to LCTI for four years and will be attending college to obtain a degree in engineering. He spent a half day at LCTI and a half day at EHS. He also was involved with SkillsUSA.

The next student speaker was introduced, Adelline Sassani, representing the Class of 2019. Sassani talked with graduates about the importance of being yourself. “Hardships have shaped us.” She also mentioned social media. “This has had positive effects on us, being able to connect globally. But it also has a negative effect by not always being ourselves.” Sassani said the Class of 2019 should be “true to ourselves.”

The board of directors was introduced and Dr. Kenneth Bacher declared the Class of 2019 graduated. The event ended with the EHS orchestra playing “Rondeau” and the graduates leaving the PPL Center.