Jim Thorpe Area High School students were urged to "find something you are passionate about and pursue it."

Valedictorian Haley Cope told her classmates, "Do not let others, not me, your parents, teacher or friends, determine how you will live. Your purpose belongs to only you, and is yours to change, modify and uphold as you please."A total of 155 seniors were awarded diplomas during commencement exercises Friday in the Jim Thorpe High School gym.Other student speakers were Brandon Huffman, salutatorian, and Ryan Saunders II, president of the class.Saunders presided over the mantle presentation to Riley Carroll, president of the Class of 2015.Senior class officers made several gift presentations.One was to retiring superintendent Dr. Barbara A. Conway.Conway shared a common factor she possesses with the class.Both Conway and the class arrived at the district 13 years ago. Conway started as an elementary principal.Both are also leaving the district this year.Gifts were also given to Thomas Lesisko, high school principal, and Christine Rosenberger and Robert Kovac, class advisers.Special recognition was given to exchange students Ho Yi Cheung and Suji Kang.