They face a world of uncertainty, one that figures to be vastly different in our ever-changing society.

Despite their unpredictable futures, the 116 members of Northern Lehigh High School graduation Class of 2021 has the skills to blossom.

High school Principal Robert Vlasaty welcomed family members during commencement exercises Saturday morning at Bulldog Community Stadium. The ceremony was postponed from Friday due to inclement weather.

Class President Caleb Steven Hankee told his fellow classmates that there were times when it seemed like graduation day would never arrive and that the light at the end of the tunnel kept getting longer as they went down it.

“Yet, as I entered senior year, every single day I’d find graduation rapidly approaching,” Hankee said. “The big day has finally come, and the feeling is absolutely surreal.”

Hankee gave special thanks to the Northern Lehigh Theatre Troupe and referred to “my family in the theatre. Being on the stage really saved my life from being something much less worthwhile.”

Now that their high school years are over, Hankee acknowledged they “ are facing a world of uncertainty, a world that’s terribly fragile and broken and one that can come undone at any moment.”

“I have full faith that us, our generation, is one that is well-equipped to face this world,” Hankee said. “It’s going to be an entirely different world in 15 years, and we will be the face of it. I am excited to see how you all come to make your mark on the world.”

Class Co-Valedictorian and Treasurer Elijah Gabriel Jackovitz said Northern Lehigh is a small school, “and I think the best thing about that is it means everyone knows each other, and the only bad thing about that is that everyone knows each other.”

“But knowing all of you, I can say that everyone graduating today has something to offer to the world we’re entering,” Jackovitz said. “Whether you’re going straight into a career or pursuing a degree or aren’t quite sure yet, I’m sure we all have the drive to end up where we are proud of ourselves.”

Jackovitz told his fellow graduates that it’s important to aim high, regardless of what roadblocks life throws their way.

“I am also sure that nothing will go as smoothly as we’re hoping for, and that is OK as long as we keep striving for what we want out of life,” he said. “I wish all of you luck, and I encourage you guys to go out and create a better life for those around you, because it only takes one to make a difference.”

Fellow class Co-Valedictorian Hailey Marie Evans alluded to the many obstacles the students have had to overcome many obstacles.

“Especially throughout the past year due to the pandemic,” Evans said. “But even with these struggles, we are here today graduating, so congratulations to everyone in the Class of 2021.”

Evans also thanked “all of the teachers, family members and everyone else who has helped us overcome these problems to reach this moment.”

“As we go from here, I hope everyone is successful and happy with the future plans they will make,” she said. “I don’t have much else to say so once again, congratulations to all the seniors graduating here today, and I hope you all achieve more great things in the future.”

Student Council President Aidan Williams recognized the Slatington High School Class of 1971 attendees on the 50th year of their graduation. Vlasaty recognized several retirees with numerous years of experience in the district. Superintendent Matthew J. Link presented the graduation class and lauded them for “thriving in a year that’s been anything but normal.”

School board President Gary Fedorcha then presented the diplomas to the graduates.