The valedictorian of Tamaqua Area High School’s Class of 2026 recalled the last half of graduates’ senior year.

It was an exciting time, Cecilia Ulicny said, full of field trips, awards ceremonies, dance parties — and even dissections.

“I can’t help but think: we had a good time,” she said at Thursday’s commencement exercises from the school district’s stadium. “But some other epiphanies were reached this half of the school year. I realized that I was scared. I was scared of my future.”

Ulicny guessed that others in the 155-member class felt the same, not knowing what to expect as their high school careers came to an end.

“Now, my classmates and I are standing on a precipice, gazing into a world of the unknown — a puzzle that no matter how hard we try, we can’t solve just yet,” she said.

But it was an ongoing English class journaling assignment that would bring much to light. Her reflections, she said, touched heavily on her childhood, such as building a fort with her brother and eating “Fluffer Nutter” sandwiches prepared by her “Nana” when she finished her days at kindergarten.

“I explained in my reflections that I was upset and almost jealous that I can’t experience those things again,” she said. “That I can’t have another childhood, that I do in fact have to do some ‘adulting.’ ”

Her teacher, Jillian Tuckett, critiqued her assignments by writing, “Sure, we cannot be children forever, but we can choose to be the people we once were. All of those things you will miss have shaped you into the person you are today, and even though it’s hard to think about, you have many more beautiful experiences ahead.”

Ulicny hoped others would benefit from the words and realize that parents, friends, faculty, staff and others have helped to mold their lives. It’s something that will continue, she said, as graduates’ lives continue.

“To my classmates, thank you for a wonderful past four years, filled with hard times, but amazing memories that have made me into the person I am today,” Ulicny said. “I’ve realized that I am extremely excited to see who shapes me next, and I hope you are as well.”

Momentous occasion

Superintendent Ray Kinder congratulated members of the district’s 136th graduating class.

“You have accomplished great things during your time here at Tamaqua Area and we couldn’t be more proud of you,” he said. “Tonight is a momentous occasion. It’s a celebration, a culmination. An end point and a beginning. It is a day for happiness and in some ways sadness.”

Kinder said that graduates’ lives will be what they choose to make of them.

“It will be the choices you make. Certainly the big ones, but the small ones too. They will shape the opportunities you have moving forward and what you can be,” Kinder said.

He encouraged all to be the best version of themselves each and every day.

Kinder introduced guest speaker Cindy Miller, a global executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience in logistics, transportation, compliance services and operational transformation.

She served as chief executive officer of Stericycle, spearheading a business overhaul and leading its sale for approximately $7.2 billion, he said. She also spent 30 years at UPS, where she rose through the ranks from a driver to president of UPS Europe.

A 1980 graduate of Tamaqua, she was a standout basketball player, Kinder said.

“When I sat where you are tonight, I had absolutely no idea what the next five decades would hold. And honestly, that was probably a good thing. Because if someone had handed me a preview of the next 46 years, I would never have believed it,” Miller told graduates.

She shared her “CODE” of life, which consists of character over identity, overcoming obstacles, developing better habits and embracing purpose.

“If you live by that code, your life may not always be easy — but it will be meaningful. Be sure to enjoy the little moments, as they add up to a life filled with God’s blessings,” Miller said. “And years from now, when you look back on this night, I hope you can say not only that you were successful but that you became someone worth becoming.”

High school Principal Tom McCabe congratulated — and thanked — the graduates.

“All of you have had an impact on my life. Most importantly, through all of these experiences, you have changed me for the better and caused me to strive to be the best version of me, and I sincerely thank you for that,” he said before awarding diplomas.

Class President Anastasia Ackerman offered advice as she passed the gavel to Gabriel Conville, president of the Class of 2027.

“Class of 2026, we’ve already overcome so much to get to this moment. And that means we’re more than capable of handling whatever comes next,” she said. “Each of us will leave our own mark on the world. In our own way, in our own time. So don’t rush it. Don’t compare it. Just keep going. Congratulations, Class of 2026. We made it.”

Luke Frohnheiser is ranked second in class. Rounding out the honor students are Addison Rummel, William Behun, Emma Breiner, Destiny Steinmetz, Emma Ziajka, Morgan Teetz, Grant Johns and Makaylah Whitted.

Of the graduates, 60 students plan to go to a four-year college or university; 79 students will attend associate degree programs, business or trade school; 10 students plan to enter the profession of education; three plan to enter a branch of the service; and 13 have made commitments for employment.