Bethlehem Catholic HS class of 2024 is not afraid of challenges. One hundred five graduating seniors proved they are tenacious and proud as they walked across the lower level of the PPL Center in Allentown, eager to receive their well-earned high school diplomas.

This class has faced the start of high school as virtual students because of COVID and ended high school as virtual students when a fire forced the school to be vacated. Unsure of where graduation would take place, Becachi was fortunate to have Jim and Rob Brooks provide the PPL Center for commencement.

The procession into the PPL arena was led by flag bearers Valedictorian Jeremy Fyrer, Salutatorian Cariyalys Hernandez, Class President Caroline Miller, and class Vice President Olivia Basile. “Pomp and Circumstance” was played by Mainstreet Brass members Kevin Long, Ed Hirschman, Shari Gleason-Mayrhofer, Bryan Hay and William Lennox.

Miller gave the first student address and spoke of how being part of the Bethlehem Catholic learning community made her realize that she wasn’t “just a student.” She realized that her peers were developing the attributes of many professions - giving each the opportunity to grow and learn about themselves.

“Ideas became reality and interests turned into passions,” she said.

Madeleine Nichelson delivered the second student address, stressing the unity and focus among her classmates.

The 10 top Academic Scholars of the class of 2024 were seated on the dais. They are Sara Balog, Joshua Brown, Jeremy Fyrer, Cariyalys Hernandez, Jessica Hoffman, Ava Miletics, Madeleine Nichelson, Sarah Pilovsky, John Vallance and Mia Willard.

Academic Awards were distributed by Bethlehem Catholic Principal Dr. Dean Donaher, Dean of Students Shane Schneider and Amy Solano, assistant to the principal.

In his address, Principal Donaher told the students to “pay it forward” and “to find purpose in time of trial and tribulation.”