By SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

LOU WHEELAND

Special to The Press

Class of 2023 President Siddhant Khandelwal carrying the class key, and senior class officers Anshul Naveen Dadayyapally, Noah Alexander Oxfeld, Alexa Marie Bartman and Anna Claire Lorenzo led almost 800 of their classmates toward the next experience in their lives receiving their high school diplomas at Parkland High School’s commencement June 6 at the PPL Center, Allentown.

The procession of seniors dressed in red and gray gowns walked into the arena as the high school band, under the direction of Jason D. Lerew, performed “Pomp and Circumstance,” by Edward Elgar.

After the school’s Alma Mater by Effie Minnich Newberg and The Star-Spangled Banner were performed by the high band, Assistant Principal Crystal George welcomed the Class of 2023, family, friends, school board members and staff to the ceremony.

“I am happy we have gathered together to celebrate the Class of 2023,” George said. “Tonight’s ceremony is a time of reflection and joy.”

George then introduced Khandelwal who presented the class key to Timothy Saad, president of the Class 2024.

“Good evening staff, administration, parents, families, friends, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2023,” Khandelwal said. “I would first like to give a huge congratulations to the Class of 2023.

“My how far we’ve come. I have been honored to serve as your class president these past four years.

“This key represents a long tradition of excellence ... I know the Class of 2024 will carry this key with pride and continue to add to the legacy of academics, athletics, and artistic success that this key represents.”

Saad thanked Khandelwal.

“You all will really be missed but we can’t keep you here forever,” he said. “So, I wish you well in your future endeavors. Congratulations Class of 2023.”

After a musical presentation of “For Good” from “Wicked,” performed by the Senior Chorale, student speaker Meredith Schmoyer addressed the soon-to-be graduates.

“Good evening, Dr. Madson, school board members, teachers, staff members, parents, friends, and fellow graduates,” she said. “It is my pleasure to be the 2023 graduation speaker tonight and I’m sure you are expecting a traditional speech about memories and goodbyes, etc.

“But actually, I have a math problem for you. I know, I know, no one wants to do math on graduation, but I want us to do just one more word problem together. It’s a hard one, too.”

“When does eight plus two equal one?”

“Think about that for a minute. Some of you are probably searching through your memory banks trying to remember algebra one or SAT prep.

“Let me explain the answer.

“Our senior class is comprised of students who went to eight elementary schools, who funneled into two middle schools, who then merged into one high school.

“And don’t think I forgot about Veterans Elementary School. Someday in the future, kids from there will be graduating from Parkland High School, too.

“And what is the significance of this math problem? Well, that is a unique question. It speaks to this moment in time and the ever lasting impact it is going to have on us. We are united - united in the fact that we share a Parkland High School bond.

“You might have started your school career somewhere else, but you are still here tonight, graduating with me. We may not know each other well, but we are united in our commonalities. We attended Parkland High School, and we are so incredibly fortunate.”

Parkland was the place that unified the students and offered them many different opportunities along the way, and it was these experiences that unified them, she stated.

“We are different, certainly. We are individuals. Of course. We are all going to go in different directions into the armed forces, trade schools, careers, or colleges, absolutely, but we are Parkland proud, Parkland united,” she said. “The definition of unity is, ‘the state of being united or joined as a whole.’

“I couldn’t think of a better way to define our class. And because we are united now, we must carry that idea of unity into the future.”

Schmoyer then quoted Helen Keller.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” Helen Keller.

“Fellow classmates, we need to work together to achieve success and whole heartily throw our self into our new communities and our new endeavors to meet people who are also passionate about unity,” Schmoyer said.

She added only by working together can they begin to help the people in their communities who need help.

“We need to speak for the disenfranchised,” she said. “We need to help identify solutions to environmental issues.

“We need to vote and choose our community leaders.

“We need to brainstorm ways to improve life for everyone, and I know you can do it, fellow graduates.

“Why do I know this and why do I so passionately believe we can go out and accomplish this

“Because in a few minutes we will be Parkland graduates, and Parkland graduates will be able to achieve amazing success.

“Even more importantly, we can inspire others. We can join forces with the people we meet in the future and help inspire them to unite with us for the greater good.

“Friends don’t forget that the rest of our lives begin tonight.”

After the presentation of National Honor Society winners, Dr. Mark J. Madson, superintendent of Parkland School District, addressed the class.

“You made it,” Madson said. “I’m truly inspired by this Class of 2023, all of you, each and everyone of you have had a difficult journey to this point.

“In fact, this graduating class had some of the most challenging times of any I have seen.

“It’s inspiring to see the many accomplishments this group as a whole has achieved.

“Parkland prides itself in excellence in three core areas academics, the arts, and athletics. And I’ll tell you what, you do not disappoint.

“The level of success this class as a whole has achieved and demonstrated has very few if any rivals.

“Through your accomplishments within each of these three pillars, you’ve made us extremely proud ... “

He then told the soon-to-be graduates they were going to get a few pats on the back, some hugs, some kisses, some I’m very proud of you, some congratulations and maybe even I can’t believe you made it moments and he was sure there will be a lot of other statements and celebrations.

“Tonight, is about celebrating memories of the past by holding great expectations for the future.

“The next few years will bring many exciting choices and opportunities your way ...

“Be grateful for those in your life who help support, protect, and guide and influence you. Expressing your gratitude is a little something in life that never dies. It will never get old. It is a life lesson that we are all in it together and we need each other, and we probably need each other more now than ever,” he stated.

In a spirit of gratitude, he thanked and recognize the more than 20 members of the Class of 2023 who will be entering the military or a military academy.

“I believe I speak for everyone here tonight and on behalf of my own family, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, your dedication to our country and the freedoms we enjoy, it will never be forgotten,” he said.

“In closing, he offered one of his favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss.

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

After the presentation of the Top 3 percent of the Class of 2023, by Assistant Superintendents Timothy Chorones and Michelle Minotti, Parkland High School Principal Nathan T. Davidson addressed the class.

Before presenting the Class of 2023 to Carol Facchiano, president of the Parkland School Board, he paid tribute to the retiring members of the Parkland High School faculty, who together have spent nearly 200 years educating and guiding the students.

“At this time, Mrs. Facchiano, I am happy to certify these members of the Parkland High School Class of 2023 appearing before you this evening have met the requirements for graduation as established by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education and the Parkland Board School,” Davidson said.

“I am honored to present you the Parkland High School Class of 2023.”

Facchiano addressed the soon-to-be graduates before presenting their diplomas.

“The Class of 2023, you have arrived at this moment through countless hours of hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” she said. “Tonight, we are all here to celebrate the culmination of your journey from being a student to becoming a graduate.

“Never forget those who have supported you throughout this journey - your parents, guardians and families who have provided encouragement, sacrifices, and unwavering love.

“They believed in you when you doubted yourself. Their support has been your foundation, and tonight they are here to share in the triumph with you.

“Your dedicated educators and staff members have guided you along the way, their wisdom, patience, and commitment to education has helped push you to exceed your own expectations.

“Your fellow classmates and friends have traveled the road beside you, guiding you along your path as you in turn have guided them.

“You’ve been a support for each other in times of stress and in times of achievement. The friendships forged and cultivated these past few years will carry you into the next step of your life journey.”

She then told the soon-to-be graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, they will find themselves at the intersection from uncertainty and possibility and that the world they are entering is ever changing and presenting both challenges and opportunities.

“Armed with the knowledge, skills, and experiences you gained in Parkland you are equipped to navigate this uncharted territory,” she said. “Each of you has a unique path to follow and it is up to you to define your own success. It may not always be easy, and you may face setbacks along the way ... ”

After awarding the diplomas, Davidson closed commencement by addressing the graduates one last time.

“I will always be grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “These past four years have been quite demanding and very unique.

“The content you learned in classes. The challenges you have faced throughout your high school career.

“The decisions you have made, both good and bad, have helped you to develop the person that you are today,” he said.

“As you heard, your parents and teachers and administrators are so very proud of you. You are prepared for the world that awaits.

“Now comes the hard part putting all that knowledge and preparation to good use.

“The world you’re entering is ever changing. I encourage you to view change throughout your life, not as a problem but as a constant. Seek out opportunities, it presents for growth and innovation for opportunities to create, to cure, to develop the status quo, and to change our world. It’s now your time to stand up and leave your mark.

“Do not fear change. Do not hold your calling. Every person, every graduating class, every generation is challenged to overcome obstacles, face down adversity and conquer complex problems. Now it is your turn.

“Class of 2023 you will always hold a special place in our hearts. We wish you well. We wish you good health. We wish you success in the future.

“You will be missed.”