Northampton Area High School student Caitlin Stanislawski graduated May 27 through Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 in a virtual ceremony. The ceremony opened with a photo montage of all of the IU-20 graduates to the music of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

IU Director Christopher Wolfel spoke of the connections between school districts and the Intermediate Unit, which provides services to students from 13 school districts and three career technical schools in a three-county area. He thanked the teachers and families for their commitment to the graduates’ education. He finished by speaking about Memorial Day and introduced the guest speaker, his father, Jonathan Wolfel, who is a veteran Army sergeant.

Jonathan Wolfel addressed the students, reminding the students they reached graduation through their own hard work and asking them to “never stop learning.”

“Most important, remember it was your own hard work that got you here,” Jonathan Wolfel said, “and for that reason, I am honored to be with you here this evening.”

Nicholas Dorian, class speaker, and Jonathan Wolfel then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Christopher Wolfel said some graduation certificates were delivered in person to students. He and Dorian delivered the certificates, arriving at the students’ homes in a yellow IU-20 school bus.

Dorian thanked his teachers for everything he learned and his family for all they taught him.

“I want to thank you for teaching me everything I should know for the future,” he said.

He concluded by congratulating the Class of 2021.

At NAHS, Stanislawski’s teacher was Sherry Newhard.

“The best way to describe Caitlin is ‘fiercely determined,’” Newhard said.

She reminisced on one of her first days with Stanislawski, who has been in her class for two years. A service provider entered the classroom, carrying multiple bags, which they deposited on the classroom floor. Stanislawski began crossing the room.

Before Newhart could react or warn her of the obstacle, Newhard said, “Caitlin performed a combination leap, sidestep and high hurdle worthy of the Northampton track team and looked over me with an expression that said, ‘I’ve got this.’”