People from small towns have the ability to make the best success stories.

That was among the advice imparted to the 153 graduates of the Tamaqua Area High School Class of 2017 during commencement exercises held Thursday at the Tamaqua Area High School Sports Stadium.Class President Joshua Gordon told his fellow graduates that as they begin to embark on a new chapter in their lives, they must not forget their experiences and everything they have learned these past four years."For it was in these walls that we have formed a bond like no other," Gordon said. "We have done our best to use our charismatic and enthusiastic personalities to bring us to where we are today and to leave an astounding mark on the school that we love so well."Molly Clemson, president of the Class of 2018, accepted the gavel from Gordon.Superintendent Ray Kinder told the students to enjoy the moment as it happens.Previously, Kinder said he spent so much time preparing to take pictures or videos that he missed the moment as it occurred."As you move forward in your life, lift your head just a bit and live in the moment," Kinder said. "You will remember it even longer than you keep that picture."Matt Gogal, a talent agent with Abrams Artists Agency in Los Angeles, served as the guest speaker.A 2003 graduate of Tamaqua, Gogal told the students that when they achieve any level of success, to stay grounded."Being from this region, coal is one of the most grounded objects I can think of," he said. "It's a totem, something I keep on my desk and brought with me tonight, a reminder of humble beginnings, and that when great pressure is applied to it, it can be forged into something beautiful, something greater than the sum of its parts."High school Principal Tom McCabe told the students that according to a Time Magazine article, their generation is referred to as the "Me, Me, Me" generation, because they are glued to their phones, are enamored with reality TV, and idolize celebrities.But, McCabe said he doesn't have a problem with that as this senior class has contributed more than 10,000 total hours of community service throughout their high school career, among other achievements."Not once did they ask for praise for their efforts," McCabe said. "This class will always be special to me not because this is my first year as principal, but because of their effort, dedication and contributions."McCabe said that on May 15, the district held an Academic Achievement Awards Program for 42 honored students. Almost all awards were presented that evening, including more than $129,000 in scholarships and prizes.Class valedictorian Abigail Brickler gave the farewell address and told the students to be themselves."When I was about halfway through this speech, I began to get concerned about whether or not it would be good enough, if people would actually listen, or if they would even like what I had to say," Brickler said. "As I expressed this anxiety to one of my closest friends, she told me something that I find applicable to situations beyond the one I currently find myself in. She said, "Just be you, and you'll be good.""So, Class of 2017, be you, and I'm sure you will be just fine."Graduates then performed the class song.