Whether through triumphs or defeats, students will continue rising from the ashes

As they move on in their post-high school years, they will continue to go through more triumphs and defeats.

Through it all, members of the Northern Lehigh High School graduation Class of 2018 were told they will keep rising from the ashes.

High school Principal Robert Vlasaty welcomed those in attendance during commencement exercises Friday at Bulldog Community Stadium.

A total of 130 diplomas were handed out.

Class President Danielle Doll told fellow graduates that their lives will be focused around the values they have gained from growing up in a small town.

“Your circle might be small, but it will be full of people who love you and have your back no matter what,” Doll said. “You can do anything you want, if you work hard and have confidence in yourself and your ability.”

Class Salutatorian Bridget Lynch told students, “No matter what adventure we are launching ourselves into- college, work, the military, anything — we have to say goodbye to our lovely little high school, Northern Lehigh.

“Change is at least a bit intimidating for everybody, even if you’ve been dreaming of this day for years,” Lynch said.

“Today we are moving on to our next step in life.

“At Northern Lehigh, we’ve had a pretty wonderful first step, so I can’t wait to see what’s to come,” she said.

Class Valedictorian Gabriel DeLong told students that, “A big part of high school was making mistakes and changing our minds and still rising from the ashes. And I know that through the triumphs and defeats, the most important thing high school has taught me is this: Your happy ending is up to you.”

DeLong said it was in his junior year that perhaps the medical field is what he wanted to pursue when his scoliosis progressed to the severe.

He had to wear a back brace, and surgery became inevitable.

“Through this difficult time, I have to say that my surgery opened my eyes to the medical field,” DeLong said. “It made me really want to help people the same way my doctors helped me.”

DeLong said that surgery “also provided me a greater appreciation for my friends, family and especially for myself.”

“Who knew some metal rods would not only straighten out my back, but also my perspective of life?”

Faculty member Nick Sander recognized the Slatington High School Class of 1968 attendees who were on hand to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Vlasaty recognized several retirees with many years of experience to the district.

Superintendent Matthew J. Link told the graduates their class will always be special to him because it represents the first graduating class under his tenure at Northern Lehigh.

School board President Gary Fedorcha then presented the diplomas to the graduates.