“Class of 2023, you have never looked better than tonight,” Freedom HS Principal Laurie Sage said June 8, when the class of 2023 poured into Stabler Athletic and Convocation Center, as 438 graduates gathered together as a class for likely the last time before setting sail into the world outside the walls of what is now their alma mater.

“Every graduate sitting on the floor tonight has an individual journey that has gotten him or her to this milestone achievement,” Sage said in her welcoming remarks. “Tonight is the time to celebrate and recognize each one of you for your 13 years of schooling, with an eye on your past four years at Freedom.”

Three student speakers chose the theme “Dreamer, Builder, Explorer” for their remarks: Jayrold Veneracion, student chosen class speaker; Lauren Humphrey, faculty chosen graduation speaker; and Prajeet Santra, senior class president.

“This day feels like a dream to me,” Veneracion said, noting he has kept the trait of being idealistic from his childhood days.

“Chasing our dreams that may seem different or irrational but used to fuel our ambitions for a future that gives us purpose – that’s the trait of the human spirit,” Veneracion said.

“Let’s show this world what it means to dream.”

Humphrey expressed gratitude to families, faculty and classmates for helping graduates over 13 years of education to reach this point.

Humphrey was confident each graduate could think of a faculty member who has made an impact on their lives, and highlighted the “unconditional love and sacrifices” of parents, guardians and families, who she cited as students’ “constant pillars of strength” as graduates were building, creating and shaping their future.

“Congratulations class of 2023 – our journey has just begun.”

“I like to think of this journey as climbing a mountain,” Santra said, highlighting the challenges they faced with online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now we’ve reached the peak of the mountain. All of you sitting before me today were able to climb past those challenges by taking charge of your learning.”

Dr. Joseph J. Roy, BASD superintendent of schools, told students, “I hope the overwhelming feeling you have is gratitude to those who helped you get to this point.”

“I saw you grow for 13 years. I’m so proud of you and I’m so proud that my last graduation will be your high school graduation,” Roy, who is retiring in July after 13 years at the helm of the school district, said.

Roy especially expressed gratitude for the support of parents in the district during his tenure.

Bethlehem School Board President Michael Faccinetto said graduates were all different and unique, and that Freedom, “helped mold and ripen you into what you are today, leaving to go out into the world.”

The commencement ceremony included Lamp of Knowledge recipients being honored for earing an A or A equivalent in every course of their high school career.

Freedom’s National Honor Society began a new tradition by donating $1,000 for the creation of the Altruism Award as its class gift. The award was given to four students who embody the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, service, leadership and character.

Graduates who are enlisting or are already enlisted in the armed forces were also recognized during the evening.

The ceremony included musical selections from the band and choir.

Arun Chhugani was valedictorian.