The members of the Catasauqua High School Class of 2013 could hardly contain their excitement Monday evening as 106 newly minted, overjoyed graduates received their diplomas during the school's 145th commencement held in the gymnasium.

Referring to himself as a "travel agent," Salutatorian Liam Browne took the graduates down memory lane, beginning the journey in 2000 at Sheckler Elementary School.

"Throughout our elementary school years we met many new people, and we had many great memories," Browne said. He specifically reflected back on gym, music and art classes, as well as the Sheckler Halloween parade and TV Turnoff Week.

After Sheckler, Browne said, the graduates entered Catasauqua Middle School and enjoyed events together such as the sixth grade fiesta and trips to New York City and Hershey Park.

Catasauqua High School provided them with excellent teachers and a wealth of experiences that will remain a memory to all, Browne said.

"The Class of 2013's past will live on as we do," he said. "No matter what happens, we should all be thankful that we were able to spend it together."

Melissa Fuhrman, selected to speak at commencement by the faculty, talked about about the present. She reminded the hopeful graduates to embrace the meaning and importance of the evening.

"Tonight will only happen once in our lifetime," she said. "Take a look around. Take it in."

Fuhrman told the graduates for the past 18 years they have lived in a "comfort zone." She asked the Class of 2013 to "break out of this comfort zone.

"Take pleasure in your moment," she added. "Today will soon be yesterday."

Valedictorian Zac Edwards spoke about the graduates' future.

"It begins here, it begins today," he said.

Edwards recommended his classmates meet each obstacle in life with a positive attitude and always strive for success. The future, he said, belongs to each graduate.

"The future is truly in our hands," Edwards said. "Let's make the most of it."

Zachary Stopay, selected as a commencement speaker by his classmates, provided the farewell remarks. He said the evening was marked by both sadness and happiness.

"Good luck in whatever you decide to do in the future," he told the graduates. "Represent and be proud of your alma mater."

CHS Principal David Ascani awarded an honorary memorial diploma to Jaenis N. De Los Santos, who lost her life in a vehicle crash in December 2012. The Class of 2013 and those in the bleachers stood up and gave a moving applause in honor of De Los Santos as her parents, Juan and Denise Pena, accepted her diploma.

Ascani told the graduates dreams can become a reality by virtue of working hard.

"Even the most distant dreams can be accomplished through determination and persistence," he said.

Catasauqua Area School District Superintendent Robert Spengler also provided brief remarks before handing out the diplomas.

"I challenge you to expand your horizons," Spengler said. "You have been well prepared."

Diplomas were presented by school board President Penny Hahn and Spengler. The CHS alma mater was performed and a benediction was given by Colleen Hickey.

As the "March of the Olympians" was played, the Class of 2013 recessed to the side of the gymnasium and formed The Grand Catty Line, with men and women facing each other on either side of the gymnasium. Following a tradition of many years, the graduates tossed their mortar boards into the air, signifying the end of their high school careers.