Tamaqua Area High School’s Class of 2023 was told to step outside of their comfort zones and invest in people, as they move forward in life.

“You will be amazed what you learn about them and yourself,” Robert Hollenbach, the guest speaker told the 148 members of the graduating class Thursday night, encouraging them to appreciate and learn from others.

“I want to share three main take-aways,” the 1989 Tamaqua Area graduate and vice president of chief audit executive of Idexx Laboratories, said. “Reflect and appreciate how you got here, invest in people and develop relationships, and embrace your path and be resilient.”

Hollenbach shared how he learned much from his own family and friends he met along the way, and encouraged the graduates to always look ahead.

“Find a path that makes you happy and ways to serve others,” he said.

Jonathan Ulicny, president of the Class of 2023, passed the gavel to Steven Behun IV, the president of the Class of 2024.

Ulicny told his class that even as the pandemic became a setback on their high school journey, they continued to create goals and dream. Throughout their journey, they continued to dream for the future, he said.

“We are a class of dreamers,” he said. “Dreamers who can’t wait to see the future, who can’t wait to begin a life of their own.”

Behun told graduates that they have paved the way for his class, as they prepare for their senior year.

“Because of your awesome leadership, support, guidance and enthusiasm, you have made this school a place where every day I saw living proof that what I wanted to do was achievable, because you had already shown me that it was possible,” he said.

Superintendent Raymond J. Kinder reflected on the 133rd graduating class, who persevered through challenges and moved forward demonstrating leadership, cooperation and communication skills that will provide opportunities for success.

“Talents in the classroom, on the fields, on the stage and even in the courtyard that have inspired and ignited our community,” he said. “Compassion, empathy, and a willingness to give that exemplifies what we all want our kids to be.”

“You will leave here tonight as graduates, but that imprint will remain always,” Kinder said. “I wish you all nothing but happiness and success as you move forward in your lives. I ask that you no forget us. We will never forget you.”

Helen Elena Florea, class valedictorian, told the seniors that failure is not necessarily a bad thing. She recalled a poster of turtle on its back in elementary classroom, stating, “Failure is not falling down, it is refusing to get back up.”

She said failure is the one true constant in life.

“I am here to tell you that everyone sitting here has never failed in their lives,” she told classmates. “We are sitting here today because we have refused to fail.”

She cited inventor Thomas Edison, whose invention of the incandescent light bulb, took many trials and errors before he got it right.

“Thomas Edison famously once said, ‘I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I eliminate the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work,’?” she said.

Thomas J. McCabe, principal at Tamaqua High School, shared some messages, not from famous people, but influencers he follows on TikTok and other platforms, in his parting words.

“Expect nothing and appreciate everything,” he said. “Be grateful for the little things in your life and find your inner peace. Always give your best. The harder you work, the luckier you will get.”

Before calling members of the graduating class to receive their diplomas, McCabe pointed out 43 in the class plan to go to a four-year college or university, and another 90 will go to associate degree program, business or trade schools. Among them, Brooke Williams, class salutatorian, said she plans to attend Johnson University to dual major in Bible theology and communications with a minor in educational studies. Eleven student plan to pursue the profession of education, four plan to enter the military, and 11 plan to enter the workforce.

“So 148 of you have made choices for your future,” McCabe said.