Jim Thorpe Area High School held its commencement ceremony Thursday night for the graduating class of 2015.

The school's 61st commencement saw 116 students receive their diplomas and officially bring an end to their high school careers."I ask all of you not to focus on the doors that are closing, but on the doors that will soon open for you," Principal Thomas Lesisko said.Lesisko also said the senior class's Keystone Exam scores were the best in the region.When class salutatorian Johnathan Condly asked his father, Tom, a teacher in the school district, what exactly a salutation was, he was pointed to the classic children's book "Charlotte's Web," where the title character defines salutations, "Salutations are greetings. When I say 'salutations,' it's just my fancy way of saying hello or good morning."Condly did exactly that in his speech Thursday evening. "I am the salutatorian, and it's my job to give the salutation. So to all of you, I say greetings, welcome and salutations," Condly said to everyone in attendance.Condly also took the time to thank his class for making his high school experience a good one, saying, "I'm so thankful to be part of this class. Thank you all for making the past four years unforgettable."The class of 2015's valedictorian, Riley Carroll, talked about the three things that she believes are needed for a good life: gratitude, excellence and bravery. "Whatever life throws at you, I hope you will be grateful, excellent and brave. I wish you all nothing but the best as you walk out these doors and into the rest of your life."Carroll's speech was followed by the passing of the mantle to the president of the class of 2016, Ilse Hassler. "It now becomes our pleasure and our duty to uphold the ideals that this banner represents," Hassler said.Erin Kelly and Lindsay Capper gave a special presentation honoring Hunter Meckes, a member of the class who died while he was still in kindergarten. Along with the presentation, a shirt with Hunter's name on it was made and framed. The shirt was given to Hunter's family.The class officers had several gifts prepared for a fellow student as well as select faculty. Michael Boeres, a foreign exchange student from Stockach, Germany, received a commemorative gift bag for his time spent in Jim Thorpe. The officers also recognized and thanked the class advisers, Mr. Ronald Ellison and Ms. Amanda Hydro as well as Mr. Gerald Strubinger, by giving them gift bags as well.Following the presentation of the diplomas, Jim Thorpe Superintendent Brian Gasper gave the closing remarks, reminding the graduates that the hard work they have already put in will continue to aid them in life. "Remember, today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten," Gasper said.