Friday night lights shown brightly June 3, as Northampton Area High School’s Class of 2022 took to the field at Al Erdosy Stadium on the Northampton Area School District campus for the 121st graduation exercise. There were 464 graduates.

The school honors orchestra provided an introductory selection of orchestral arrangements, as well as both the processional and the recessional. Their accompaniment to the singing of the alma mater by seniors Crissa Andrew and Emma Whitman had special meaning as this was the 100th anniversary of when this alma mater was first performed.

NASD Board of Education President James Chuss recalled his personal memory from 42 years ago, sitting on the same field for his own graduation.

“I recall having the same expression on my face as you do - excitement, happiness and anxiety,” he said.

He encouraged this class to always “learn, listen and lead.”

NASD Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kovalchik spoke with pride as he detailed how these students “bounced back after the pandemic with outstanding achievements in educational, athletics and the arts, as well as 24 seniors graduating with honors in the top 5% of the class and over 100 students in the National Honor Society.”

NAHS Principal Luke Shafnisky tied the graduation together by offering the opening statements, recognition of the military recruits and the National Honor Society, presenting the Class of 2022 as a group and presenting diplomas to class officers, as well as the closing comments.

Usually, there is one senior honor speaker per graduation, but this year, there were three.

“These three speeches were so exceptional we decided to hear all three,” Kovalchik said.

The speakers were Caitlin Stoudt, Wesley Burkit and Wyatt Cobb.

Senior class officers each spoke and reflected on their educational experiences thus far. Speeches were given by the officers of the Class of 2022 - President Adam Reicheiderfer, Vice President Alivia Bankos, Secretary Devyn Demchak and Treasurer Kylie Gilliard.

As the sun set over Al Erdosy Stadium, a final reflective speech was given by Student Council President Logan Garrison.

“This is just the beginning,” he reminded his peers.