The Catasauqua High School auditorium was buzzing with excitement as the bleachers filled with family, friends and community members eager to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2023.

The June 3 ceremony marked the 155th commencement for CHS. In addition to the more than 120 graduating students, more than 30 members of the Class of 1973 were honored for graduating 50 years ago.

After everyone filed in to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the CHS band under the direction of Rob Arnold, student-selected speaker Cedric Bright gave the invocation. After, he congratulated his peers and encouraged them to take this day to reflect on the past and move forward into their future.

Class President Timari Wilkins and Vice President Kaylee Weidaw introduced each of the speakers.

Cheyenne Gioielli, class salutatorian, spoke about the past. She said their past has helped shape them into who they are today. She reflected back to their days at Catasauqua Middle School, thinking “the Class of 2023 is a lifetime away.” She remembered not believing all those people who told them their high school years would go by fast. They were right, she noted.

Wyatt Younes took the stage to discuss the present.

“Today is the day we celebrate moving forward,” he said.

He encouraged his peers to be proud of their accomplishments in high school, while keeping an eye to the future. He noted the world is changing every day.

“This gives us the opportunity to make our impact on the world,” he said, encouraging his peers to push boundaries, take risks and not to fear failure.

“Success is in finding your purpose, in finding what makes you happy in the present,” he said.

CHS Principal Adam Schnug thanked everyone who had a part in arranging the graduation ceremony, as well as the school board for giving the students the opportunities to succeed and the district teachers, administration and staff for helping the students get to this point.

Schnug took time to note some of the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. In the seven years Schnug has been at CHS, the Class of 2023 had the highest number of honors graduates, most students taking AP or dual enrollment classes, most postseason sporting events and most Freddy Awards nominations and wins. He also noted the accomplishments of the marching band and color guard.

According to Schnug, the Class of 2023 was defined by their bonds of friendship, inclusivity, support and resilience. He encouraged them to seize every moment because they are well prepared for the future.

The students who had a perfect record of 16 honor rolls were recognized. All 21 students stood as their names were called and enjoyed a healthy round of applause.

Class Treasurer Jacob Dove presented the class gift. The Class of 2023 gifted funds for laptops for journalism and music equipment.

Angelina Dries, who also opened the ceremony with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, shared her thoughts on the future. She said taking risks and stepping out of one’s comfort zone are crucial to success. She said they are ready to move forward and pave the way for future generations.

“Look forward and smile,” she told her peers.

Class Valedictorian Peyton Taniser spoke about how they overcame challenges in the past but came out on top together. She encouraged her fellow graduates to go out and make an impact on their communities.

“It’s time for us to be adults and go out in the real world,” she said.

Before presenting the students for their diplomas, Schnug recognized Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler, who is set to retire in October after serving for 20 years. Schnug noted Spengler’s positive influence and genuine care will be missed.

Spengler, who is a CHS Class of 1984 graduate, said it has been an honor serving Catasauqua Area School District. He said he is constantly amazed by the things the district’s students can accomplish.

He said these graduating seniors serve as a stellar example to the younger students. He encouraged them to “expand their knowledge beyond the Catasauqua Area School District” and to bring their knowledge and experiences back.

After the presentation of the diplomas, the Class of 2023 took one more moment of solidarity in moving their tassels from one side to the other in unison before the senior chorus members, accompanied by the CHS band, sang the school’s alma mater.

Wilkins gave the final benediction, asking for support and guidance heading into the next chapter.

The Class of 2023 recessed into the Grand Catty Line around the gymnasium floor and tossed their caps in the air as one final act together as the Class of 2023.