David Richards once laughed when people told him how quickly his four years in high school would pass.

But as Jim Thorpe High School’s 2022 valedictorian and his classmates received their diplomas Friday night at Olympian Stadium, he admitted that they were right.

“Lo and behold, those years flew by right before my eyes,” he said.

Richards recalled looking up to seniors who seemingly had it all figured out - with academic and athletic accomplishments to show for it. Four years later, the Class of 2022 has racked up an impressive resume of their own, however they also have a new list of challenges - college decisions, leaving friends, and starting a new phase of life.

“It’s funny, I feel barely any wiser right now than I did as a freshman, and looking back I imagine the seniors of four years ago probably felt the same way,” he said.

There are 145 graduates in the Jim Thorpe Class of 2022. That number includes Connor Dugan, who died on Christmas Eve when his car was struck by a drunken driver. Dugan’s portrait, cap and gown were on his chair among his classmates, and his parents accepted his diploma to a standing ovation from the class.

Class President Carsen Rosenberger said that Dugan was loved by many, and will be remembered by all.

“Connor, I wish you could be here with us today,” she said.

Principal Tom Lesisko said that the Class of 2022 has dealt with so many ups and downs, they are like world-class surfers. He wished them luck navigating the ocean of life without parents and teachers to guide them.

“Some waves will be easy. There will be rogue waves that make your knees shake. It will be up to you,” he said.

Salutatorian Christian Bradley congratulated the class on making an unforgettable senior year after struggling through a pandemic. He said they proved themselves to be a class with an unwavering will, that accepts nothing less than success, and makes the most of its opportunities.

“I hope that we take that with us into the rest of our lives,” he said.

Bradley said that during high school he learned to be limited to the labels people put on you. He said he was uncomfortable being called a “smart kid” - and strove to define himself as more than that.

“We are all so much more than any one thing,” he said.

In her remarks, Rosenberger advised her classmates to cherish little moments, have fun, and always persevere. She said she believes strongly that everything happens for a reason.

“Although some days may be more difficult than others, it’s OK. It’s how you grow from those experiences that really matter,” she said.

In addition to speakers, two members of the Class of 2022 also sang songs which carried messages they wanted to share for graduation. Carson Queen sang Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” which he said represented some of the difficult times faced during senior year, and Riley Pastor sang Billy Joel’s “Vienna” to remind the class to enjoy the moment.

Superintendent John Rushefski left the graduates with a reminder to be kind, and show gratitude not only on their graduation day, but every day.

“Live each day as though it was a gift you did not expect, and prioritize kindness and compassion in everything you do,” he said.