Many area high school graduates, along with parents, grandparents and other family members, were thrilled to hear the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” in person in June at commencement exercises after most schools canceled or severely curtailed them for the Class of 2020.

As part of these ceremonies, those who finished at the top of their classes, along with class presidents, dispensed advice to their classmates as they prepared to take the next important step in their lives.

I particularly liked Panther Valley valedictorian Jason Liu’s suggestion that his classmates live outside of their comfort zone. Many believe that it is just we older folks who are set in our ways, but teenagers are, too - maybe to a lesser extent, but there is the “old shoe” theory. You know, the one that says a pair of old shoes are much more comfortable than a new pair.

When we strive to vary our routine, to try new things, it challenges us to step up and bring our A-game.

My math teacher at Summit Hill High School gave me some inspirational advice, which I have carried with me for 64 years and counting. When telling me about what she hoped would be my bright future, Mrs. Mary Leibensberger would get this faraway look as she stretched out her right hand, pointing it upward and saying with unbridled conviction, “Bruce, always reach for the stars. Even if you miss, you are sure to pick up some stardust along the way.”

That’s why I recommend that all of us heed Liu’s words to “try something new; blaze a new trail.” It’s exciting and challenging.

Panther Valley’s salutatorian Jacqueline Kokinda gave new meaning to that tiny punctuation mark: the hyphen. She said our tombstone’s start and finish dates are far less important than what we accomplished within that hyphen that represents the years between our birth and death.

Lehighton valedictorian Ashley Beers said one of the most important things she learned is that it is OK to make mistakes. “Our mistakes shape us into who we are, and our successes make us proud of how far we’ve come,” Beers said.

Salutatorian Kathryn Nanovic reminded her classmates that they don’t all have to be superstars. “it doesn’t matter if society or any individual thinks you’re great, as long as you are proud of the work you put in and the person you are,” she said.

Pleasant Valley valedictorian Emma Barrett acknowledged that up until now their lives have been pretty much laid out for them. “After tonight, though, … we will exchange the comfort of school for reality,” she said.

Palmerton valedictorian Gina Laviolette was among a number of speakers who asked their classmates to remember the influence on their lives that their schools have had. “Whatever it is that you’re taking away with you into your future, the most important thing to remember is how much Palmerton has shaped you into the person you’ve become,” she reminded them.

Palmerton’s class President Matthew Yurkunas spoke of the wide range of careers that he and his classmates will be striving to attain. While success in one area of endeavor is important, he said, “the biggest success you can achieve in your life is impacting someone else.”

Many speakers spoke of the impact and disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic had on their lives and on the continuity of their education.

Jim Thorpe valedictorian Brandy Montemuro reminded her classmates that nothing in life is guaranteed. “Many things in life may seem destined for disaster,” she said, Despite obstacles, she urged the graduates to see them through, “because you never know what could come of it.”

Perhaps the sagest comment came from Northwestern Lehigh’s class President Reagan Hernandez, who pointed to one very important lesson learned throughout the pandemic: “We learned that we cannot control our circumstances, but we can control how we react to them,” Hernandez said.

By Bruce Frassinelli | tneditor@tnonline.com

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.