Whitehall High School’s 116th commencement ceremony June 4 was the first in the history of the school to be held virtually, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions set by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

Whitehall-Coplay School District administrators, staff and students put much time and effort into ensuring the ceremony, which aired on YouTube, RCN and Service Electric, was as close to a traditional graduation as possible. The video, which is still available to view from a link on WHS’ website, was put together by Schaf’s Video Productions in Allentown.

The ceremony began with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the WHS band, followed by WHS Chorale’s performance of “Star-Spangled Banner,” accompanied by senior photos.

WCSD Superintendent Dr. Lorie Hackett opened the ceremony, telling the members of the Class of 2020 their graduation was the most unique in WHS’ history and that their class will never be forgotten.

Hackett then thanked the administrators, teachers, staff, school board, parents and family members for their support of and dedication to WHS seniors. In addition, she recognized the members of the Class of 1970, who graduated 50 years ago and provided students Kevin Ilgenfritz and Lillian Makhoul with scholarships.

Hackett continued her speech by challenging the Class of 2020 to make a difference, believe in themselves, support others and value relationships. She recognized the end of the students’ senior year was not what they had hoped for, but some good did come out of it.

“It has made you stronger, it has made you more resilient and it has taught you to cherish every day. It has taught you how important family and friends are,” Hackett said. “It has taught you that you can overcome adversity. If you can handle a pandemic, you can handle anything.”

Senior band members then played “Menuet.” Later in the ceremony, the WHS concert choir sang “In Meeting We Are Blessed,” followed shortly by the alma mater by the WHS chorus.

Valedictorian Hallie Kern spoke to her class about living in the moment and appreciating now rather than waiting for time to go by and circumstances to improve.

Kern quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, who said, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

“I remind you that we are never guaranteed a tomorrow, and we are unable to revisit the past. The present is all we have, and so we must live right now,” Kern said.

Kern acknowledged while the statewide lockdown due to COVID-19 revealed the worst sides of some people, it also showed how kind and charitable others became, restoring her faith in humanity. She advised the Class of 2020 to embrace and learn from their failures in order to better themselves.

Following Kern’s speech, Wayne Grim, president of Whitehall-Coplay School Board, introduced board members and wished the Class of 2020 good luck, calling them “Zephyr strong.”

Salutatorian Kevsergul Dayi quoted poet Robert Frost by telling classmates the importance of pushing through when life presents challenges. She reminded students in order to change the world, everyone needs to live up to his or her full potential.

“The world needs a new generation to take on new challenges and find improved solutions to global issues, such as pandemics and climate change,” she said. “Our perseverance will help us lead this charge. We have it in us. We are the Class of 2020 after all.”

WHS Principal Nate Davidson then acknowledged outstanding students in each discipline, such as English, industrial technology, math and music.

Class President Andy Chung spoke to his fellow classmates about determining their own futures and making the world a better place for the next generations.

“We may not be able to change society alone, but together we can do anything. We can surpass the expectations of others,” he stated. “Let’s show them we are more than just a race, a gender, a sexuality. We can become so much more.”

Next, Davidson thanked the Class of 1970 for providing scholarships and acknowledged retirees Jean Marsteller, high school Spanish teacher for 34 years, and Deborah Vilbas, high school principal’s secretary for 29 years.

Davidson called this year’s graduation ceremony “bittersweet” and told the Class of 2020 he regretted they missed out on an in-person graduation, spring activities and the rites of passage that seniors look forward to during their last year of high school.

“This experience will undoubtedly become a part of our collective history, and the manner in which it is resolved will define how it is remembered - a generational test that may alter our lives and change our country. This change may occur incrementally or dramatically,” Davidson said. “The reality of now is we just don’t know. The lessons have not yet been taught. The moral has not been established. The conclusion has not yet been written and that, students, can be frightening. It is OK to be afraid and uncertain.”

Davidson expressed that hope can follow the despair seniors might be feeling, and they must be brave and work to achieve a common purpose. He recognized past generations have had to conquer challenges as well and called the Class of 2020 “the unwitting pioneers” who must find their way during these uncharted times.

“You are faced with problems to solve and lessons to learn far beyond the scope of our curriculum,” Davidson said. “It is now your time to stand up and begin to leave your mark. Do not fear change. Do not shy away from challenges. Do not avoid your calling.”

Diplomas were then awarded virtually, with each student’s name announced and an accompanying picture, followed by Hackett announcing the formal declaration of graduation. The ceremony concluded with a performance of “The Fairest of the Fair” by the WHS band, and at the very end, many WHS teachers wished the class the best of luck in video clips they filmed from home.

The virtual ceremony ended with a montage of seniors wearing their caps and gowns, moving their tassels from right to left and throwing caps in the air - marking the end of a 13-year journey and the beginning of the rest of their lives.