The 430 graduates of the Northampton Area High School Class of 2014 were told during last Saturday's 113th commencement exercise there is an enduring pride associated with receiving a diploma from the school.

Northampton Area School District Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik, a Northampton graduate himself, emphasized the tradition and heritage of entering the alumni ranks. He told the graduates they all received excellent educations at NAHS.

NAHS, Kovalchik said, is "proud' of giving the graduates a concrete foundation."

"You will always be a Konkrete Kid," he told the large crowd and graduates.

Kovalchik reflected on the changes that have occurred at the school since his time as the student, ranging from technology, social media and state testing requirements. He said, however, one remaining constant is the superior education provided the students. He said it is important for the graduates to have a positive attitude.

"I challenge you to stay positive in your future endeavors," he said. "What I will remember is the extreme dedication and pride in their work. I challenge you to work to your ability."

NAHS Principal Stephen J. Seier left the young men and women with one message.

"Graduation day marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives," he said. "As you pursue your dreams and set forth on this wonderful journey in front of you, you have much to draw on; you are prepared. You have secured friendships and relationships that will help to support your future endeavors. You also have a vast network of alumni that share something common with you, and that is the pride of graduating from Northampton Area High School as a Konkrete Kid."

Valedictorian Allison Horn told the class to always remember their roots.

"Never forget where you came from," she said. "You will forever be a Konkrete Kid. My family is truly inspirational to me and they have instilled in me the conventional wisdom that is my challenge to you tonight: Do your best."

"Whether it's the classroom or on the field, you are always in competition with yourself. It is not about everyone else, the race is within you. I could never understand why anyone would settle for mediocrity. Your potential is infinite, so if you do not push yourself, you will never know what you are capable of doing.

"Let this message be your call to action as you decide how you will make your unique impact on the world. Do your best in everything you do and you will succeed. There is no limit to excellence and I encourage all of you to strive to be your best each and every day,"' Horn added.

Salutatorian Sarah Fribance spoke of the pride and honor in representing "such a talented class." She referred to a study of elementary school students that segregated the class by eye color to demonstrate abilities. Fribance also said it showed one cannot live up to stereotypes.

"The study in 1968 is proof that we are susceptible to others opinions," she told the class. "It should give us all pause for thought of how our own paradigms are crested."

"If you want to be a rocket scientist, do it. If your dream is to be a Broadway star, no one is stopping you. A lawyer, a brain surgeon, a ballerina, a billionaire businessman or woman, you are capable of achieving them all with the correct attitude and persistence, You need to approach any barriers that stand in your way with your head held high and a vast sense of confidence. Believing in yourself is the first step to achieving any goal you possibly could think up. If you believe fervently that you can accomplish your goals, you can achieve anything," Fribace added.