Family, friends and staff gathered Friday at Tiger Stadium as approximately 160 seniors received their diplomas during Northwestern Lehigh High School’s 69th commencement ceremony.

Principal Aileen Yadush opened the ceremony by recognizing both the graduates and those who supported them along the way.

“Today we come together to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable young men and women and to honor the unwavering support of the family, friends, teachers and mentors who helped them along the way,” Yadush said. She reminded seniors that graduation marks “the beginning of a new chapter” beyond the walls of Northwestern Lehigh.

Class President Hannah Gober reflected on the personality and spirit of the Class of 2026.

“We first entered high school as any freshman does — excited for a new chapter but nervous about the way to open our lockers,” she said.

Gober recalled memorable moments, including classmates building a five-tier pyramid of empty Shirley Temple glasses at prom “just because” it brought them joy.

“Our class had perfected the art of doing things just because,” she said. “Just because it brought us joy, just because it made people laugh, just because we knew a few years down the road we would remember it.”

She also highlighted the class’s accomplishments in athletics, theater and technical education, urging classmates to carry that spirit forward.

“As you enter your next chapter, remember to talk less and smile more,” Gober said. “There will always be a million things you haven’t done. After tonight, graduating won’t be one of them.”

Student speaker Jenny Rivera Rosa spoke about finding her place at Northwestern and through the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute.

“I felt very lost, like I didn’t have a place of my own here,” she said. “It wasn’t until freshman year, walking into LCTI, that I felt somewhat at home.”

Rivera Rosa credited Northwestern with helping her discover opportunities through volunteer work, Special Olympics and travel experiences that shaped her future career goals.

“If it wasn’t for Northwestern, this would not have been possible,” she said. “Not only did Northwestern give me a second home, but it also gave me a place that I will forever cherish.”

She encouraged classmates not to worry about having every step of the future planned.

“Please know that you don’t have to have everything mapped out,” Rivera Rosa said. “It’s OK to feel a little lost. It’s OK to be unsure of what you want. It’s all part of the process.”

School Board President Todd Hernandez told graduates they are prepared for whatever comes next.

“Class of 2026, this is your moment,” Hernandez said. “Your Tiger community is proud of you and excited for what you will accomplish in the future.”

He encouraged graduates to lead with integrity, kindness and humility. Superintendent Jennifer Holman, Ed.D., praised the class for being “driven by curiosity, passion and purpose” and challenged them to carry those values into the future.

“Class of 2026, we are proud of you, we value you and we look forward to all you can accomplish,” Holman said.

Following the presentation of diplomas, Principal Yadush shared lessons from a commencement speech by country singer Eric Church, particularly the importance of community.

She told graduates they had already embraced that principle during their time at Northwestern.

“Through your talents, leadership, service and character, you built something here,” Yadush said. “You worked to make sure that the next generation had what they needed, and you did it without accolades, without credit and without the Internet seeing it.”