While an eerie, smoke-filled sky above Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena was dour the evening of June 7, the atmosphere inside the facility was considerably brighter, as family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the commencement of Liberty HS’s 101st graduating class.

The ceremony kicked off in earnest with a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner from members of the high school band and orchestra, respectively. Principal Dr. Harrison Bailey, III then asked for a moment of reflection in honor of Assistant Principal Aida Rivera and her daughter.

Bailey then welcomed class of 2023 Secretary Maya Nieto to the podium. Nieto provided a brief introduction, then read aloud the names of several faculty members and administrators who she said were instrumental in guiding the class’ collective achievements.

After Bailey briefly highlighted the contributions of the district’s many faculty and staff members, the high school Choir performed a rendition of the hit pop song from OneRepublic, “I Lived.” Following the performance, Bailey recognized several graduates whose plans include military service.

Notably, the evening’s speakers centered their remarks around a famous 2014 quote from Sgt. Ryan Pitts: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward in the face of it.”

Martina Tsamoutalidis, the faculty-selected speaker, addressed the courage that was necessary “in the face of fear” during COVID-19, which marred much of the class’ high school tenure. “Truthfully, nothing in this life is certain,” she said, adding “In order to grow, you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Student-selected speaker Janeyda Ortiz shared many of her struggles, which included time spent living in a homeless shelter and enduring bullying. However, during her Junior year, she said she first experienced a sense of “normalcy” as a member of the first-ever girls’ wrestling team at Liberty. She spoke proudly of conquering both female and male competition, and named many faculty members who helped her break out of her “comfort zone.”

Bailey then honored salutatorian Kathryn Lynn and valedictorian Sruti Tekumalla, highlighting the accomplishments of the impressive young women, who plan to continue their education at Lehigh and Princeton Universities, respectively.

Outgoing Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy was also on hand to recognize the graduates, noting that when he was first hired in 2010, the Class of 2023 was beginning Kindergarten. His mood was light, as he noted “During our 13 years together… I gifted you a total of 60 snow days,” referring to his popular video closure announcements over the past few years.

Roy then gave way to the evening’s final speaker, school board President Michael Faccinetto, who first spoke glowingly of the school’s faculty, whom he called “hands-down, the best professional staff in the Lehigh Valley.” However, the bulk of his remarks were directed at the outgoing graduates, highlighting the various achievements of both individuals and the collective Class of 2023.

While Faccinetto encouraged the graduates to follow their chosen paths wherever they may lead, he also reminded them to never forget their roots, noting “In Bethlehem, being a Liberty graduate is a badge of honor.”

Finally, class President Jessica Esch, who was honorarily presented with the class’ first diploma, led her peers in the ceremonial turning of the tassel. The tradition “unites us in our accomplishments and marks one of the final accomplishments in our high school journey,” she said, adding that whether the experience “was a dream or a nightmare – you made it.”