The 166 newest members of the Saucon Valley High School Class of 2013 were presented with insightful and reflective words during the commencement exercise held Friday evening in the school auditorium. Welcome remarks were provided by class President Jennie Cawley who reminded the graduates the evening was owed to family, friends and teachers.

"Whether we realize it or not, our accomplishments were not in our own abilities," Cawley said.

The commencement address was presented by Salutatorian Cayla Schaffer, who will be attending Elizabethtown College in the fall. Schaffer instructed each graduate to strive to be the best person they can be and follow their dreams.

"Seek and find your purpose in life and achieve it," Schaffer said. "Always follow your passions and don't be a afraid to make a difference."

Valedictorian Maria Sanchez, who will attend George Washington University in the fall, gave the commencement address. With tears beginning to fill her eyes, she thanked her parents and the late Linny Fowler and husband Beall Fowler for investing their time and energy into her life."Because of them I have a future to work for," Sanchez said.

Sanchez also took the graduates down memory lane, particularly referring to the many experiences each person encountered, beginning as elementary school students. These experiences, she said, have been instrumental in the graduates' growth as young adults.

"It's both the good and the bad that have made us into the people we are," she said.

"Saucon Valley is about to become your past," she concluded. "Take a moment to smile for all it has given you."

Remarks were also provided by Saucon Valley HS teacher Cheri Chisesi and Principal Eric Kahler and district Superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin.

Chisesi specifically credited the graduates' teachers for their successes and their graduation.

"Along the way, the teachers became your moms and dads," she said. "It is for this exact moment that your teachers worked hard to get you here."

Kahler reflected back on the senior year and the many accomplishments of the Class of 2013. He told the graduates to learn from their failures and to approach the future head on.

"Our failures can be ends or they can be learning experiences," he said. "Face your fears with confidence and humility." Fellin asked the graduates to "pause and reflect" throughout their lives and to always make the right choices.

"Why the rush," she asked. "Why turn a blind eye? Why be angry? Be happy with who you are and what you have. Just because you can doesn't mean you should."

Diplomas were then presented to the graduates by Kahler as Fellin, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Carl Atkinson and school board member Bryan Eichfeld shook each graduates hand and personally congratulated them.

After the Alma Mater was played, the graduates recessed out to the lobby area where they were met by proud parents, family and friends.