Suddenly the long-awaited moment arrived and the sound of "Pomp and Circumstance" was played by the Parkland High School Band under the direction of Jason Lerew.

Members of the Class of 2013 began walking into Stabler Arena June 12 for graduation.

In the audience was former school district Superintendent Carmen Riola who was there to see his twin grandsons graduate.

Assistant Principal Theresa Stack gave the welcome and said the ceremony was being streamed around the world.

The Alma Mater, written in 1930 by Effie Minnich Neubert, was sung, followed by the National Anthem.

Class President Tyler Duff walked to the stage carrying a 3-foot key.

Duff said a year ago he was the one waiting to get this key. It seemed at the time his own graduation was far into the future.

He wasn't sure what he could say that would cover the last four years and "all of the years in Parkland.

"If anyone didn't know Parkland, they do now," Duff said.

He bestowed the key to Ross Bloszinsky, Class of 2014 president, with the warning he shouldn't lose it.

Duff said the key was a symbol.

"Each of us have a key to open the doors to the future, after today whether that future is academic, on the work force or in the military," Duff said. "We all have this key. We must all use what Parkland provided. Don't lose your brightest memories."

Duff said they learned about hard work and the teachers went out of their way to help them.

He also said parents were the most influential people in his life.

"Parkland will always be a part of who we are," Duff said. "Don't lose sight of your goals."

Stack then announced a musical selection by seniors.

The song was "Seasons of Love" sung by Jared Blockus, Jonas Bloomfield, Dustin Brinker, Samantha Chubenko, Christopher D'Imperio, Sarah Dougherty, Daniel Fogelman, Adam Groff, Charlene Jean, William Marshall, Sarah Rice, Rebecca Stahl and Elizabeth Stirba.

Lauren Knafo, whom Stack described as a respected representative of the student body, who auditioned for the speaker's position and was chosen from 15 applicants, was the student speaker.

Knafo works with the underprivileged and handicapped and taught tennis among other things.

"Good evening to the greatest class in Parkland's history," she began. "We will be facing new responsibilities. Let's face it. It is intimidating. We were lost and confused, but we adapted.

"One thing we never realized was that our student days would soon be over.

"The school was a second home to all of us in ways we never thought possible. We made lifetime friends."

Knafo said they knew they were prepared for life because of what Parkland provided.

"We stand knowledgeable, confident and wiser looking to the future with open arms ready to make our mark," Knafo said. "Social media and the Internet have become incredible tools. It has enabled us to communicate with students and teachers when we're not in school.

"It has allowed us to share good times and some bad times. The world has become a smaller place because of it."

She said her class has the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.

"We have the chance to become the best generation of our time," she said. "Let's begin this new chapter with the determination to make this world a better place. Let's show the world what the Parkland Class of 2013 has to offer."

Stack introduced members of the National Honor Society and Superintendent Richard Sniscak announced the top 3 percent of the Class of 2013.

"High school graduation is a major turning point. It marks the dawn of a new and exciting era," Sniscak said. "We celebrate memories of the past while holding great expectations for the future."

He said the class possesses diverse talents and a wide range of skills.

"You brought honor to Parkland in academics, in the arts and athletics," he said.

Quoting former President Ronald Reagan, Sniscak said: "'You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known.'

"Capitalize on those opportunities. Learn from obstacles and continue forward in pursuit of your passion.

"Celebrate the days of success and always prepare for the challenges that meet you as you navigate through life."

Sniscak and Jayne Barlett, president of the board of education, presented the diplomas.

Two students were met with special acclaim.

Jacob Salinas, who was in a car accident two weeks before graduation, is recovering at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Center, Muhlenberg Pediatric Unit.

"Well wishes would be appreciated," said his mother Julie Salinas.

Salinas sat to the side of the stage with his mother.

Drake Szczepanski has difficulty walking. He works out in the gym two to three hours a day.

As a manager, he took care of the water for the football team. He is described as extremely independent.

High school Principal James Moniz II offered congratulations to the graduates.

"You gave us wonderful memories that will last a lifetime," Moniz said.

The recessional began and the former high school students walked out of Stabler Arena, young men and women of the world.