The Northern Lehigh High School Class of 2013, held its Baccalaureate Service Thursday inside the high school auditorium.

Senior Courtney Blocker welcomed those in attendance, and thanked them for taking the time to attend the service.That was followed by the singing of the Hymn "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty".After the Call to Worship, the Rev. James Levan gave the Prayer of Invocation.Senior Bryanna Tomkins then read "A Poem" that she wrote.As part of her poem, Tomkins noted that "the Lord has the final word."Seniors Dana Fricker, Tosha Gaumer, and Jennie Fronheiser read Lessons from Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5, 16-18; Psalm 19:1-6; and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.Pastor Henry Distler then gave The Homily.A retired teacher, Distler spoke to the students about misconceptions seniors have about graduating from high school.Distler said that just because they graduate doesn't mean their homework, deadlines, and other commitments have come to an end. Instead, he said "there is a cultural universe with many rules and many bosses."He then explained that it wasn't until after 34 years of teaching, and several years of retirement, that he became a preacher.That, he said, offers proof that "we are never too old to learn."Senior Kendra Smith then showed the audience a Music and Picture Presentation of several of the graduates that listed their future plans.The Rev. Lunnett Hilliard gave the Prayer for Graduates.Senior Sarah Frantz gave a speech entitled "Unknown Confidence".Frantz told the students that each of them has achieved something great in life, and that they have transformed from freshmen to seniors about to graduate.Whatever their next journey is in life, Frantz told her fellow classmates to "remember that you can achieve anything."The Commissioning was given by Mrs. Tammy Fristick, Miss Candice Saville, and Mrs. Angela Shoemaker.Senior Caleb Johnson shared remembrances he had of his fellow classmates.Johnson told the families in attendance that they've done a wonderful job of raising fabulous people.Initially, Johnson said he thought it would be cool to do a reflection speech.But, instead, Johnson said he has a whole host of memories that will remain in his mind and in his heart for the rest of his life.That was followed by the singing of the Hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth".The Rev. Laura Stone then gave the Blessing.The service ended with the Recessional "Only Hope" by the Treble Makers, arranged by Ed Lojeski and Jon Foreman.Commencement exercises for the Northern Lehigh High School Class of 2013 will be held at 7 p.m. this evening in the high school gymnasium.