The Emmaus High School Class of 2023 was recognized June 11 during the commencement ceremony at the PPL Center in Allentown. There were 703 graduates.

With the EHS Orchestra under the direction of Connie Arnold, the Class of 2023 entered the center to the music of “Pomp and Circumstance” written by Edward Elgar. The program continued with the “Star Spangled Banner,” again with the EHS Orchestra. The EHS Chorale sang the alma mater with music by Rachel Hauser from the Class of 1932 and words by Robert Iobst from the same class.

Beth Guarriello, principal of EHS, welcomed everyone to the graduation ceremony with a special acknowledgment for the Class of 1973.

She recognized the academic achievements of the graduates and acknowledged the members of the class entering the military.

The orchestra performed a medley of military songs while recognizing military members in the audience as well as veterans.

Benjamin Eustice, Class of 2023 president, thanked his officers and fellow classmates as well as his parents. He instructed his classmates to lead with enthusiasm and continue learning with passion. “Be compassionate and seek justice,” Eustice said.

Assistant Principal Jordan Fortier had the honor of announcing the Hall of Fame Inductee. The candidate is judged on scholarship, volunteerism, leadership and academics. Madeleine Louise Hess will have her portrait hung alongside the other Hall of Fame inductees.

Madison Shelton was introduced as the next speaker. She is the president of National Honor Society. In her speech, she announced “3,975 hours and 42 minutes.” This is the time spent volunteering by the members of National Honor Society. She thanked faculty, family and friends and reminded her peers to “Never stop giving to others.”

Alternating between speeches, the graduates were introduced individually while receiving their diplomas.

Reanna Istrate is the student representative from Lehigh Career & Technical Institute. She will attend Penn State in the fall as a pre-med student. She spoke about choices – Choosing routes to school, ways to get to classes and many others. Choices can become overwhelming. She chose to go into pre-med at LCTI which gave her opportunities to be in operating rooms and other medical situations. This choice gave her much happiness. “Do not be afraid to go onto the next chapter,” she told her fellow graduates.

Madeleine Hess was the last speaker. She said it was beyond an honor to be chosen to represent her class. She thanked her family, friends, administrative staff and all the schools she attended within the East Penn School District. She thanked those for helping her learn about the meaning of honesty, determination, passion, optimism and responsibilities. She spoke of an event in middle school that changed her outlook on a particular subject. She did not like history much but a teacher helped her change her thoughts. She is heading to William and Mary College in the fall to pursue a degree in history.

After all students received their diplomas, Board of Education President Dr. Joshua Levinson declared the students graduated.

Members of the EHS Class of 2023 exited the PPL Center to the orchestra playing “Brandenburg Sinfonia by J.S. Bach.