June 1 was the day the 198 Northwestern Lehigh senior class members left high school behind and moved on to higher education, the military or to join the workforce. Commencement exercises were held at Stabler Arena, Lehigh University.

The Class of 1969 was invited to attend as part of its 50th reunion. Those who had graduates in the Class of 2019 were asked to present their family members with the diplomas. The directors on the school board received the same invitation.

Superintendent Jennifer Holman said she was glad everyone had come. She asked all to stand as Celeste Sukley sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Principal Aileen Yadush said the Class of 2019 was the 52nd commencement.

“Our wish is that you take memories of your long journey with us,” she said.

Nolan Hernandez, class president, said he was proud to speak. “People say the college years are the best time of your life, but I don’t believe it. The moment we leave starts the rest of our lives regardless of where we go,” he said.

Zachary Creighton, National Honor Society president, and Kelci Knirnschild, Science National Honor Society president, announced the requirements for membership in the societies. They asked their members to stand for recognition as they called their names.

Natalie Masetti spoke on the subject of “discovering more.”

She said, “Discovering more is excitement — not looking back to school responsibilities has become ours to decide what we want to do with our lives. We have to keep gazing at the stars. Although school is over, learning is not. We see people who are inflexible but we have been given the tools to be flexible.”

The senior members of The Naturalettes sang “Homeward Bound.” Members were Sarah Danner, Andi Jordan, Lauren Gruen, Alexandria Madeira, Kayla Rivera, Celeste Sukley and Sharon VanOmmeren.

Bill Dellicker, school board president, said, “What a proud day for parents, friends and classmates. Commencement begins the next day of your life. Celebrate the high school years as you begin your life’s journey.”

Chloe Davis talked about seeing through the eyes of a child. A child is raised to adulthood.

“If a child came to our high school, what would they think? Would they just see the rooms and equipment?

“Our class ran down the hall and worked for success. If you never ask why, you will never learn. Nourish the child’s imagination. Accept adulthood. Answer a child.”

Christopher Hippensteel said his high school career was coming to an end. The last football game, the last bonfire, the last day at middle school and it was over.

“Each last says school is nearly over. In a year we’ll have a job. We need lasts in our lives or there wouldn’t be firsts.”

Holman presented the Class of 2019, “We celebrate student achievement. As you prepare to embark you have love from family and friends. You are determined to make an impression on our community. As you cross from student to adulthood it is an amazing accomplishment. Everyone had a part in it. You have earned the right to receive your diploma.”

Class advisers Janelle Keglovitz and Nicole Zimmerman told them to turn their tassels when Hernandez turned his.

Yadush talked about a long list of activities, honors and memories at the end of the celebration. She said the graduates should leave the community better than they found it.