Bethlehem Catholic HS’s 172-member class of 2022 took center stage in the school’s auditorium June 8.

Student speaker Brooke Sodl quickly set the tone for the evening, focusing on the values of purpose, passion and pride.

She noted how fast the time had passed from those first days when as freshmen, she and her classmates were curious about what the future would hold. It was with the help and guidance of their teachers, that they succeeded in their high school years. Three simple but yet powerful words – purpose, passion, pride – were at the heart of their teachers’ life skill lessons. “Purpose: To be able to do something before it exists.” As students, Sodl pointed out, they have talents to make things. Passion: it is important to have to achieve your goals. One has to believe that God will help you find your path. Pride: it is about self-satisfaction.”

Sodl ended her address by encouraging her classmates to pursue a career they love, as that, not money, will bring them happiness.

Successful completion of high school is an important first step toward preparing for a successful career. Families and friends rejoiced and voiced their happiness as the graduates took their moment of pride as they walked on stage to receive their diplomas from Principal Lori DeNofa, Dean of Students Barry Schultz, Director of Administrative Service Lucas Wilde and Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Education Dr. Emily Kleintop.

It was then Valedictorian Isabella Bautista’s turn to deliver her address. Bautista focused on the important stages of growth this group of Golden Hawks achieved together. “As young freshman first entering the hall of our new high school, a sharp difference from middle school days could be felt. Student in higher grades served as role models, a more tight-knit community with everyone helping each other through the different challenges of high school life and personal growth. Each passing year, these young Golden Hawks learned the tools needed to be finally able to fly away on our lives of adventure.”

She ended her address by saying she can’t wait to meet the people her classmates will become, noting the special bond they have as once a Hawk, always a Hawk.

The evening continued with the distribution of academic awards. The Press spoke to one of those recipients, Brett Fyrer, who was recognized as one of the Top 10 Scholars, as well as Excellence in Theatre.

Although bittersweet, graduation night represented for him the completion of an important chapter in growing-up. His next chapter will begin in a couple of months at Belmont University where he will be studying Audio Engineering Technology.

In closing, DeNofa reminded the school’s new graduates of Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “You may delay, but time will not.” She explained how she herself procrastinated this year in drafting her remarks. At first, it was the concept of an idea for the address “would just hit me.” As she talked about attending end-of-year events, traditional ones put on hold due to the pandemic, and seeing joy and happiness in her students. “Something so innocent, yet so missed,” she remarked. Procrastinating has its drawbacks, most notably stress. She encouraged the class of 2022 to capture every moment, and cherish every memory….and not procrastinate.

As the ceremony drew to a close, BECAHI’s new graduates joined their overjoyed and proud families and friends to the gym for celebration and pictures. Cassandra Marenski told the Press that she will miss her classmates and her field hockey teammates, and has fond memories of her high school years.

With the evening drawing to a close, the new group of 172 mature Golden Hawks left their Bethlehem nest to soar to new heights in the path God will guide them to.