“Every single one of us is unique and special,” said class valedictorian Nathaniel Thomas as he addressed Notre Dame HS’s 66th commencement exercises June 1.

“Every single one of us made it through high school and every single one of us is here today graduating.” Thomas said thanking a long list of those who supported him as a student, especially family.

“A piece of each of us will live on in each other,” Thomas said.

Principal Jaclyn Friel greeted the Notre Dame Class of 2024 and their families and friends as they packed the auditorium to joyfully witness this important milestone. Also attending were several Notre Dame alumni celebrating the newest generation’s achievements.

Accompanied by the school orchestra, Alessandra Hurd sang the “Star Spangled Banner,” arranged by Mike Story. Student Council President John-Paul Pierce led the Pledge of Allegiance.

“Don’t be afraid to burn your toast every once in a while,” advised class salutatorian Alec Miner during his turn at the podium. “Everything happens for a reason, even something as simple as burning your toast in the morning. It is all a part of God’s plan for your life and it is fulfilling to accept that.” Miner expressed gratitude to his family, faculty, classmates and God.

Among those in the Class of 2024 receiving honors were Nathaniel Thomas for Highest General Average for Four Years, Academic Excellence in both Mathematics and Science, and Katherine Koons for Academic Excellence in Theology and Social Studies as well as the West Point Society of the Lehigh Valley Dwight D. Eisenhower Award.

Academic Excellence awards went to Sandra Atileh for English; Matthew Charles Holzmacher for theology; John-Paul Pierce for French; and Alec Miner for Spanish.

Outstanding Achievement awards were granted to Theodore Daniel Froman and Isabella Santos for physical education; Charles Capaldi and Timothy Gillespie for Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech; Lacey Yount for art; Cameron Coulter for journalism; Carly Campbell for yearbook; and Claire Turnbull for community service.

Lauren Bower anColin Boyle garnered Crusader Awards for top female and male athlete.

Deacon Frank Elchert presented Gretchen Poore and Talon Denniston with $1,000 Amber Louise Elchert Foundation Scholarship Awards. Elchert established the nonprofit in 2016 in memory of his oldest daughter Amber who passed away shortly after graduating college.

“Her dying wish was to help other kids like her,” Elchert said about this determined terminally-ill girl.

Denniston and Claire Daukshus each received Tuskes Family Foundation Scholarship Awards.

Isabella Santos and Ayden Smith were each recognized as recipients of the Notre Dame Crusader Club Scholarship for Athletic Dedication, among those receiving scholarships.

Accompanied by his son, U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. John Koons, Michael Koons, himself retired from the Air Force, proudly announced his daughter, graduating senior Katherine Koons, has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy. She begins basic training at Colorado Springs, Colo., in June. Katherine’s other older brother is a pilot with the U. S. Air Force.

Assistant Principal Dena Farrell introduced the valedictorian and salutatorian. Notre Dame Director of Operations Cheryl Muller-Fenton presented awards.

“You‘re here, you did it and I am so proud of all of you,” Friel said. “This class truly has a piece of my heart, they have been a silver lining to a tough year.”

Assisted by Senior Class President Daniel Darno, Principal Friel declared, “Faculty, parents and friends, I present to you Notre Dame High School Class of 2024,” at the conclusion of the June 1 commencement.

Dioceses of Allentown Supt. Dr. Michael St. Pierre provided the opening invocation.

Notre Dame chaplain, Father Guency Isaac, led the benediction and blessing at the end of the ceremony.

The school orchestra also provided live musical accompaniment to the proceedings with “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar, “Alma Mater” by Joseph Yapsuga and Sister Ann Bernard, S.S.J. and “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven.