Two Parkland High School seniors brought an entire crowd to its feet when they walked on stage to receive their diplomas Monday night at Stabler Area, Bethlehem.

Joshua Kates and Jared Brown will long remember their special night at Stabler Arena, Bethlehem.

Kates was seriously injured when he was hit by a car Dec. 2, 2013, along Tilghman Street near Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown.

Brown was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 14-months-old.

In eighth grade, he was confined to a wheelchair, but three years ago, he set a goal of walking with the rest of his classmates to receive his diploma.

"I finally get to meet my goal at graduation," Jared told The Press before the commencement ceremony.

"Jared is very determined and when he sets a goal for himself he works very hard to achieve that goal," said Jana Brown, his mother.

Erin Martinez, his physical therapist Good Shepherd Rehabilitation said Jared has been an inspiration to him in terms of his motivation and dedication to achieving his goal.

Sharing in Jared's special day was his mother and father, Jerry Brown, grandmother Nancy Brudelier, Martinez and Gary Stephens, teaching assistant with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation.

He also had a surprise guest in the audience, Ryan Berg from Iowa.

Berg learned about Jared Feb. 5 through the "I Run 4" organization, which builds relationships between runners and those unable to run. Berg ran his first race for Jared April 5 in Nashville, Tenn.

"After seeing how hard Jared has worked to reach his goal of walking at graduation, I knew I had to meet this young man in person and be there to see him reach his goal," Berg said.

Class of 2014 President Kaitlyn Ferry was the first to address the soon-to-be graduates and their loved ones.

"Together we have overcome adversities by showing support for those who have lost loved ones and offering shoulders to cry on when we needed it the most," Ferry said. "We have become good friends; some have become best friends and will continue to be on our minds after high school.

"Throughout high school we wouldn't be where we are today without our teachers and definitely our parents."

Class speaker Michael Falco discussed the challenges and adversities the Class of 2014 experienced since they first walked through the doors of their elementary school.

"In the past 13 years, we as students and our country have seen very few times of comfort and many of controversy. Yet through all of the challenges we have achieved an astonishing level of greatness," Falco said. "We will become fathers and mothers and, eventually, grandfathers and grandmothers but through it all, Parkland School District will never leave our hearts.

"Most of all it has developed in each and every one of us an attitude of determination to be the best we can be and change the world for the better.

"It will not be easy and the challenges will never cease but together we will take a world at a controversial crossroads and make it our own.

"Here's to us, the Parkland High School Class of 2014, and here's to the future."

Superintendent Richard T. Sniscak told the seniors they were an accomplished graduating class that has brought pride and honor to Parkland in all areas from academics, to the arts, to athletics.

He said they have made the school district extremely proud.

"An exciting world of opportunities and choice awaits you, Sniscak said. "I encourage you to choose wisely, and to take advantage of these opportunities as they come your way.

"As you prepare to set sail on life's journey remember these words from Walt Disney, 'All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.'

"To the Class of 2014, I offer my sincere congratulations for all you accomplished."

High School Principal James E. Moniz II told the class in his closing statement it was an honor serving as their principal for the past two years.

"As a class you always displayed your Parkland Pride and represented Parkland High School with honor, receiving many accolades, whether on the stage, in the classroom, on the playing field or while serving your community," Moniz said. "You gave us countless wonderful memories that will last a lifetime and I thank you for a truly memorable senior year."