The guest speaker for Friday’s commencement exercises at Tamaqua Area High School encouraged the 135 members of the Class of 2022 to begin writing new chapters in their lives.

“It begins with a blank page,” James Demetriades explained. “From here, you can create the life you want, independent - to some degree - of your parents and structured in a way that brings you fulfillment.”

Creating a life doesn’t just happen though, said Demetriades, a 1996 Tamaqua graduate and chief executive officer of Penn Medicine Princeton Health in New Jersey.

“It’s something you need to build, something you have to figure out a little bit every day,” he noted.

To chart their futures, he asked graduates to be resilient, curious, self aware and to seek a purpose.

“So today, as you sit here in your cap and gown, your life full of possibilities, everything you need is already inside you, waiting to meet the moment,” Demetriades said.

Other speakers at the ceremony, which was held in the district auditorium due to the threat of rain, also gave encouragement.

Class President Connor Murphy asked his classmates to not fear failure.

“Whether it was a failed test grade, forgetting to do an assignment, a bad sports performance, or a different reason, everyone has hit a roadblock at least once during their high school career,” he said.

He asked graduates to not let their shortcomings define them.

“Learn from your failures and let them inspire you to grow as a human being. You are all strong, smart individuals. You have all worked incredibly hard to be sitting here today,” Murphy said. “Each and every one of you have spent an immeasurable amount of time working hard to strive to become the people you want to be.”

Murphy passed the gavel to Class of 2023 President Jonathan Ulicny.

“We will always remember your kindness and the example you set. So while it is natural for you to feel upset about leaving friendships and other relationships behind, you can take heart in knowing that we’ll never forget you,” Ulicny said.

District Superintendent Ray Kinder Jr. congratulated the graduates.

“Your high school career has certainly been unlike anything that most of us have experienced in the past. You have handled the vast array of expectations with resiliency and perseverance,” he said. “When things have been difficult or challenges have been placed in your way, you have not wavered in your commitment to achieving your goals.”

Tamaqua Area High School Principal Tom McCabe asked students to invest in themselves.

“You don’t need to have your life figured out tonight. Chase your dreams, not the dreams others have for you,” he said. “Life is full of regrets and disappointments but that is OK as long as you are following your heart. Invest in yourself and you can achieve anything.”

Valedictorian Cole Ackerman issued the farewell address.

Of the graduates, 45 students plan to attend a 4-year college or university; 81 will attend associate degree programs, business or trade schools; five will enter the profession of education; four will enter the military and five have made commitments for employment.