The Palmerton Area High School Class of 2025 marked the end of their educational journey with a graduation ceremony Friday night that reflected on memories spanning from their first days in kindergarten to their final moments as Blue Bombers.

Valedictorian Cassandra Hager delivered a speech that took the audience through what she called “the 10 moments that define our class,” beginning with their arrival in kindergarten.

“With backpacks too big for our tiny bodies and uncertainty of whether we were excited or nervous, we took the leap and bravely stepped into either Parkside or Towamensing Elementary,” Hager said. “For some, there were tears, however, I think our parents cried much harder than we did.”

The class experienced significant challenges during their middle school years when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their education. Hager recalled how “March 13th of 2020 we were notified that school would go on a two-week break as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.”

She said, “Little did we know that our Bomber Pride Days and class field trip would turn into quarantine and TikTok dances.”

Despite the pandemic’s impact, the 119-member class developed resilience and unity throughout their high school years. A defining moment came during their sophomore year when they won their first Spirit Stick at the Homecoming Pep Rally.

“We decked our hallway out in red, our chosen color, to win the hallway decorating contest and made glow-up signs to hold in the sophomore stands at the pep rally, which every class since has made, too,” Hager said. “I guess you could say we’re trendsetters.”

The class maintained an undefeated record in Powderpuff, the annual flag football game, which became a source of particular pride.

“In a close game, we snuck by with a win of 18-12, and we did not celebrate humbly,” Hager said of their junior victory.

Salutatorian Ella Baumgardt focused her speech on themes of transformation and growth, drawing inspiration from the Hannah Montana song “Butterfly Fly Away.” She reflected on the anticipation that characterized their school years, noting how “we waited eagerly to meet our first friend, who may even still be around today” and “waited all day for recess.”

For Baumgardt, high school provided irreplaceable experiences and relationships. “High school has been, without a doubt, the best four years of my life so far,” she told the audience. “It was in high school that I found my best friends in the entire world and got to wake up to spend each and every day with them.”

She also highlighted the unique experience of being taught by family members, noting, “It was in high school that I got to have the unique experience of being both my mom and uncle’s student.”

Principal Paula Husar emphasized the character of the graduating class.

“The most impressive quality, and quite frankly, the most important quality in today’s world, is that you are good people,” Husar told the graduates. Superintendent Angela Friebolin focused on the significance of Palmerton as the students’ foundation.

“This town has been the backdrop of your story up to this point,” she said. “This is where you found your voice and your talents. This is where your foundation was built.”

As Hager concluded her speech, she encouraged her classmates to “hold tightly to the small moments that have shaped our lives and brought us to the present moment” as they move forward to “tend to patients, defend the innocent, protect our country, kiss our spouses, and read our babies bedtime stories.”

Baumgardt offered similar advice about embracing the present.

“The best advice I have for us is to not wait so much anymore,” she said. “Soak in the time while you have it.”