Amid the smoldering air from Canada’s wildfires June 7, 127 students became Bethlehem Catholic alumni.Class of 2023 valedictorian and salutatorian were Armaan Makwana and Cara Magliochetti, respectively.

Makwana will attend Nova Southeastern University’s BS/DO program to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Magliochetti plans to study history and psychology at Furman University.

Student speaker Sydney Bennett reflected on the children’s book character Miss Rumphius who completes her three goals in life: travel the world, live in a cottage by the sea, and make the world more beautiful.

“We each have a purpose, specifically designed for us by God,” said Bennett.

God doesn’t give out useless tools, and everyone uses those tools to make the world more beautiful through our purpose.

“We are all given an opportunity in this moment. How are you going to use it? … I encourage you to make it beautiful,” Bennett said in closing.

Bennett was awarded a $235,000 scholarship to the United States Military Academy at West Point later in the ceremony; West Point has an 11 percent acceptance rate.

Many other students were recognized for their academic and athletic achievements. Emily Alonge received the Jenna Rose Pastelyak memorial award for portraying a positive attitude and exemplifying Christian values.

Cael McIntyre was awarded the Bernard J. Gallagher memorial scholarship award for outstanding achievements in academics and athletics.

Both Margaret Burke and Francesca Oberholzer were honored with the school spirit award.

Marissa Calantoni, the second student speaker, chose to focus on golden hour, the period of time after sunrise and before sunset.

Many people say golden hour is the most beautiful time of day as it evokes memories of happiness and bliss. Calantoni questioned if we could have a golden hour in our day-to-day lives?

She said some students may choose to focus on the big moments in high school, such as making the varsity team, but it is truly about the little moments like laughing with friends at lunch.

Calantoni will always cherish the times I sat with my friends and the teachers who have encouraged me, celebrating all of my achievements.

“These moments will forever be golden in my heart,” she said.

She closed by saying we can certainly have not one, but many golden hours, calling her time at Bethlehem Catholic as her “Golden Hawk hour.”

Magliochetti, class president, and Alonge, class vice president, presented the class of 2023’s gift, funds for electric door access to make their school safer.