Despite the cloudy evening, friends and families of this year’s Salisbury High School’s graduating class gathered with the school’s faculty and staff, coming together to celebrate the students in its 60th commencement ceremony.

The strength of their pride brightly as each 113 students walked across the stage to receive their high school diploma from Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten June 2.

Earlier, Fuini-Hetten had spoken about the importance of gratitude, specifically for those who helped them get to where they are today, during those moments of doubt.

“In these moments, it was often a family friend or a family member who believed in you when you struggled to believe in yourself. Their faith in your potential provided the strength and reassurance you needed to keep moving.”

Fuini-Hetten thanked parents and guardians, saying “Thank you for inspiring them to strive for greatness and for showing them what’s possible through hard work and integrity.”

Reflecting on the symbolism of the Falcon’s blue and white colors, School Board President Joseph Gnall.

Wearing a brown gown from his alma mater Lehigh University, he told the graduates, “I see the colors blue and white. These are your colors, the colors of your school. The colors of your foundation from which your future will be built on. You have learned so much, tangible and intangible within these walls, on these stages and on these fields. Keep those lessons close to you. Use them as your compass to make decisions. And by all means, be proud of your colors.”

Class President Laurans Trinh followed Gnall, telling his classmates “You have accomplished so much during your time at Salisbury that you should not look back. I want all of you to know that you are incredible.”

Trinh emphasized regardless the path they take, “I’m confident you will succeed.”

Salutatorian Thomas Lovelidge focused on a simple word – curiosity and its importance in everyone’s life.

“I encourage all of you to continue to ask why or how. Be that annoying friend,” Lovelidge said.

He continued, “Curiosity is the reason we explore the unknown – why we venture beyond our comfort zones and why we challenge the status quo. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, some of us lose this innate sense of wonder.”

Lovelidge told his fellow graduates, “I encourage all of you to embrace your inner Sherlock Holmes and start asking questions and explore the unknown.”

Valedictorian Jacob Knerr spoke about being human.

“Most people are extremely quick to judge others, whether it’s in appearance, behavior, interest or any other number of things that we as humans like to judge others on.”

He went on to say, “What makes us human is our imperfections, our flaws, our quirks. We have all lived different lives. And our personality and beliefs should reflect that. So, instead of morphing yourself to be compatible with others, show others who you really are and how you really feel.”

The Salisbury High School Staff Award was presented to Paige Ziegenfus.

The Salisbury Education Foundation Award was presented to Reese Petrie.

The Lehigh Career & Technical Institute Award was presented to William Sterner. The Alumni Award was presented to Jacob Knerr.