Trust your mother for song advice?

That was the decision facing Cammi Nalesnik, the Lehighton Area High School Class of 2016 valedictorian, several months ago during a family car ride.Not only did Nalesnik listen to her mother's recommendation, "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw, she found herself sharing its message with 155 classmates during Lehighton's 131st commencement ceremony Friday night."These lines offer a tremendous amount of advice," Nalesnik said. "Be caring. Be generous. Be respectful. Be honest. Be courteous. Have humility. Even when you feel overwhelmed by whatever mountain you are climbing, whether that be a job, promotion, bills, or a growing family, always find time to stay true to yourself and your values."Friday night's ceremony was held in Lehighton's new athletic stadium. It was the first outdoor graduation in 20 years.Per tradition, graduates from 50 years ago, the Class of 1966, were asked back as special guests of the district."In our day, we went home to make a phone call, listened to the AM stations on our fancy new transmitter radios," said Alice Gasker Frantz, valedictorian of that class. "But really what separates us is just a measure of time. We're all Lehighton strong."Principal Craig Reichl listed the many achievements for which the 2016 graduates played a pivotal role."Our athletic teams have been competitive on the district level," Reichl said. "Performing arts have been recognized for their talent. Scores of standardized tests have improved and exceeded those of other local schools."Student participation in school activities is at an all-time high along with student ownership and design of these school events. You the students, most notably our seniors, care about your school, how it feels and what is acceptable."Long after Friday's ceremony, Lehighton's graduates will continue to reach for the stars, Salutatorian Alyssa Jordan said, but many will end up average, not the next Steve Jobs or Kim Kardashian.While average may be defined as typical, ordinary or common, she said, being average is the most extraordinary thing you can be."Average is the kid who stays up late doing his homework after coming home from his part-time job," Jordan said. "Every day average people do incredible things. They respond to 911 calls, care for the sick, educate our youth and defend the innocent. These people are your firefighters, doctors, lawyers and teachers."Society might not acknowledge the incredible things they do every day, but that doesn't stop them."Heading into the "real world" brings with it adversity. How to overcome that adversity was class President Christina Drofich's message.Life doesn't care about streaks, a grade point average or the grade received on a calculus test."The only thing life cares about is how you respond to the situation with a positive attitude," Drofich said. "Life can be conquered with a good attitude and the rest will take care of itself."Each graduate received a letter from one staff member placed under their chairs before the ceremony."You are special to the people here tonight," Reichl said. "Please don't forget that."Graduates departed the stadium as their class song, "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Journey blared through the loudspeakers."Don't forget your Lehighton roots," Nalesnik urged her classmates, "and be proud to call yourself a Lehighton Indian."