Tough times don't last; tough people do.

Those were a few of the many words of wisdom expressed to members of the Northern Lehigh High School Class of 2014 during the 124th commencement held Friday inside the school gymnasium.A total of 133 diplomas were handed out as family and friends gathered amid dreary weather to show their support while the students gathered one final time.High school Principal Robert Vlasaty welcomed those in attendance.Speakers included class President Tyler Trumbauer, salutatorian Samantha Miller-Brown and valedictorian Nathaniel Czarnecki.Trumbauer asked his fellow classmates if they believe they've left behind a legacy."Legacies can be achieved in so many different ways and in different avenues such as academics, athletics, extracurricular activities or for just being a memorial individual," Trumbauer said."I hope mine will be the Dog Dish morning show and my sports segments."Miller-Brown said that as a child, her parents would always read to her before she went to bed. A favorite author of hers was Dr. Seuss, who had many memorable quotes."This one Seussism is key: 'You are you, that is truer than true.' We ourselves are unique and we should continue to show it, because, one day, we will make all the difference in the world.Never try to be who the world wants you to be. After all, as Dr. Seuss says, 'Why fit in when you were born to stand out?'"Czarnecki told his fellow graduates that he would be their last teacher before they received their diplomas, and that he was going to give them one final lesson before they officially graduated: A lesson on failure."In the words of Charlie Day, 'You cannot let the fear of failure or a fear of comparison or a fear of judgment stop you from doing what is going to make you great.'"Vlasaty then recognized the Graduation Class of 1964.Afterward, Vlasaty acknowledged several retiring staff members, whose tenure with the district ranged from 24 to 36 years.Superintendent Michael Michaels heaped praise on the class."I've said it many times; Northern Lehigh is the gem of the Lehigh Valley," Michaels said. "A hidden gem."School board President Edward Hartman presented the diplomas to the students.And, with one swift flick of the wrist, a sea of caps was thrown into the air to signify the students had made it.For complete coverage of the graduation, with additional photos, check out the Times News Graduation supplement, which will be published on Thursday, June 26.