"Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to present you the Class of 2013." With these words, Lehigh Valley Academy regional Charter School CEO and Principal Susan Mauser proudly sent the small class of 34 students out to the world to continue the journey they began at the academy some years ago.

Just as it happens at any commencement ceremony, Mauser's presentation of the class took the Fifth Annual Commencement of the Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School to a cheerful culmination.

A small class yet a great one in dreams and aspirations these young adults intent to realize at Penn State University, Lehigh University, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and other well-known colleges in the region and throughout the state.

But accomplishing additional academic dreams and fulfilling careers are not perhaps the biggest tasks the LVA Class of 2013 is expected to achieve. The students were reminded of the promise they made to be exemplary citizens, a promise that goes well beyond excelling in science, technology and mathematics.

"We expect you to be principled and take responsibility for your actions," Mauser reminded the Class of 2013 during her welcome commencement address. "We expect you to be caring, reflective, open-minded and accepting by respecting and appreciating diversity." These are some of the expectations any LVA graduate must meet by the time they leave the academy. Expectations which, according to Mauser, years of study in the academy have prepared the students to fulfill.

Appropriate for the Class of 2013 was the address by LVA Alumni Asia Huertas who graduated from the academy in 2009 with high honors. She has just completed her Bachelor studies in interior architecture and will begin graduate studies in August. Huertas shared with the students what the academy did for her and encouraged the graduates to always remember what the academy has done for them also.

"LVA taught me not only to take on college but the world," she said. Further during her address she told the class "LVA has prepared you for greatness."

Other commencement speeches reminded the students that their journey is not over but continuing. And for the few students who might still feel a little fearful about what is to come, words of wisdom from student speaker Erin Hock: "You are almost there. Don't give up now."

Although half the journey, there is no reason why these young adults should not feel proud of their achievements so far.

"We can finally say we have accomplished something truly great," said student speaker Samuel Rakoswki who is pursuing security and risk analysis studies at the Pennsylvania State University.

How about thanking those behind-the-scenes heroes who are not seen every day in the school halls but are sometimes as responsible for the academic achievement of the students? One of the class speakers, Matthew D' Almeida, did just that.

"Thank you mom and thank you dad," said D'Almeida at the beginning of his address.

The graduation ceremony, held June 6 at the Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center, could not be complete without a special moment for remembering the now gone high school years. The students captured on photos and videos some of the funniest, goofiest and even silliest moments of their years in the academy. The montage, put together by the students themselves, drew laughs from the crowd making the viewing of the video a highlight of the night.

There was one more task Principal Mauser put in the hands of Class 2013: "Please remember to keep a special place in your hearts for the Lehigh Valley Academy and to continue to make us proud as you embark on the next chapter in your life. Please come back to visit … but not tomorrow."

Laughter followed.