Jason Check was looking for a way to describe 2020 when three words came to mind; pandemic, politics and protests.

“We live in a crazy world right now,” the Northern Lehigh High School Class of 2020 valedictorian said.

But despite a lot of the negatives that marked the class’ senior year, the graduating Bulldogs got the moment they have long deserved Friday during two separate commencement ceremonies inside the school’s athletic stadium.

“A global pandemic can’t stop us from graduating,” Check told his classmates.

The first ceremony was for graduates with last names beginning with A-Kr from 8-9 a.m., followed by a second ceremony for graduates with last names beginning with Ku-Z from 10:30-11:30 a.m. A parade was held for the graduates Friday night beginning at Victory Park and ending at the high school.

The work put into Friday’s event, and the support shown by the community throughout the spring and summer, was not lost on the graduates.

“In these trying times of COVID-19, I would like to personally thank the parents, alumni, and local businesses who had made considerable donations to each student of the Class of 2020, and I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that we are appreciative of your generosity,” said Carter Smith, salutatorian. “I would also like to thank the Northern Lehigh faculty and staff, who have left such an impact on each and every one of our former students’ lives, as you have been the driving force that led us to this moment, on this stage, graduating among our peers.”

Check compared his high school experience to dealing with Type 1 diabetes, which he was diagnosed with in June 2015.

“Your A1c, which is the average number over a three-month period, corresponds to your GPA,” he said. “There are always highs and lows. There are good days and bad days. Sometimes you just run out of insulin and have no will to keep going through the motions.”

Quoting Taylor Swift, however, Check said one must always, “hold onto the memories because they will hold on to you.”

“We must remember our trials and experiences,” he said. “They will make us better Americans and better people.”

While many will remember the Class of 2020’s senior year for what it did not have, class president Reagan Pender said she’ll use the experience as motivating factor for the future.

“Appreciating the future only can come by acknowledging the pain of our past,” Pender said. “After this pandemic passes, it may be tempting to focus on the negatives that came with it. Let’s not give in to that temptation. Instead of dwelling on the dark and negative times of the past, we should focus on the bright futures that are laid before each and every one of us.”

The Slatington High School Class of 1970 was also honored Friday for the 50th anniversary of their graduation. In Slatington, 1970 featured a new mascot, “Mack,” making its debut. The yearbook theme was “Peace Through Reflections”, and the “Reflections” portion of the yearbook was dedicated to Mr. Russell S. Stettler, who was a math teacher celebrating 46 years of teaching that year.

“These students have paved the path of success for those of us sitting here today,” said current student council president Brianna Schuck. “They have provided us and lead us by example, and they have allowed us to grow and prosper in their footsteps. What many of us don’t realize, though, is that we are growing up in a world not much different from the one they grew up in 50 years ago. Through the ups and the downs, we share many similarities and just a handful of differences.”

After receiving their diplomas on Friday graduates took part in the culminating turning of the tassels before singing the Alma Mater and leaving the stadium.