As they entered the venue filled with family and friends; their images displayed on the Jumbotron and their names scrolling high in bright white and red LED lights, the soon-to-be graduates of the Parkland High School Class of 2015, experienced a well-deserved evening of glory and pride as they celebrated the end of their high school career.

Assistant Principle Theresa Stack greeted the guests and welcomed the seniors who will forever be remembered as the first graduating class to walk across PPL Center stage in Allentown.

In her remarks to classmates, Class of 2015 President Shannon Bonner thanked many for the "keys to success" she and her classmates have received during their journey through high school.

"Today we are here to recognize and celebrate all of the accomplishments of the class of 2015 and thank those who supported and inspired us along the way," Bonner said. She thanked teachers for the key to knowledge, administrators for the key to opportunity, guidance for the key that unlocks the future, coaches and advisors for the key to passion, parents, guardians and family members for the key to their hearts.

On behalf of her classmates, Bonner said, "I think I speak for all of us when I say you have made an impact on my life in one way or another.

"We all have made lifelong friendships and those friendships have helped to bring us where we are today."

"Ultimately we will measure our time here not in periods or semesters or years, but in friendships we have made and the memories we have together.

"Thank you for giving us the key to friendship."

Bonner summarized her remarks.

"All of you have played a role in shaping the young adults we have become," Bonner said. "You have prepared us to take the next step to fulfill our destinies. You have shared with us the keys to knowledge, opportunity, future, passion, heart and friendship, and now we pass on these keys to success to the next class of Parkland High School."

Senior members of the Parkland Chorale then performed a perfectly pitched and poignant musical selection of "In My Life" originally performed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Student speaker, Mackenzie Galli was introduced by Assistant Principal Theresa Stack.

"Each year Parkland High School has a tradition of selecting a senior speaker through a competitive process." Stack said.

"This evening's speaker is an exceptional student who is well-liked and respected by both students and staff. When I asked the teachers and students to describe Mackenzie Galli, I heard the accolades of positive, conscientious, caring, always happy, and a class leader."

Prior to the commencement, class speaker Mackenzie told The Press the quote given to prospective speakers on which to base their speeches was from Winston Churchill, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Galli began her speech with a recollection.

"Now let's take it back to 2002," she said. "Thirteen years ago I began kindergarten at Fogelsville Elementary.

"I was quite feisty for my status. I stood at about 3 feet tall with grass stains on my knees and pigtails in my hair."

Galli noted not much has changed she stood upon a step stool behind the lectern.

"My 5-year-old self thought courage was climbing to the top of the jungle gym, sleeping without a nightlight, or getting all the way across the monkey bars without face planting.

"Looking back on it, I was pretty brave, but now I'm older and much more mature, I've learned courage is best learned through watching those around you."

Galli pointed out the many moments of courage she watched through her high school years.

From "reaching out and accepting those who are different from you" to "playing through an excruciating injury so you can take the field with your team just one last time," she wished her classmates, "the courage to cherish to the wonderment of youth while you take this next step into the rest of this life."

"So, Class of 2015, I leave you with this message from my feisty 5-year-old self. As the wise Winnie Pooh once said, 'You must always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.'"

Stack then recognized National Honor Society members and award winners after which Superintendant Richard Sniscak addressed the gathering.

"I am thrilled to have this opportunity to express my congratulations and best wishes to our graduating class and equally thrilled that this will be the first high school graduation held here at the beautiful PPL Center," Sniscak said. "As many of us already know, high school graduation is a major turning point in life.

"It marks the end of an important phase and it also marks the dawn of a new and exciting future.

"Tonight is about celebrating the memories of the past while holding great expectations for the future.

Sniscak then recognized the students in the top 3 percent of their class and graduating with highest honors.

Principal James Moniz began by thanking the retiring members of the Parkland community.

"I'd like to issue a special, heartfelt thank you," Moniz said. "I wish you good health and much happiness in your retiring years."

Moniz then gave special recognition to Roberta Marcus, president of the School Board, who is retiring at the end of this term.

"Before I present the class, I would like to recognize an outstanding individual who, for nearly 20 years, has nobly served Parkland School District, as school board president, school board master, and school board member, Mrs. Robert Marcus," Moniz said. "Students, where we teach you about the importance of community service, Mrs. Marcus is an outstanding role model for all of us.

"Mrs. Marcus, I know you feel lucky to serve Parkland, but the reality is that Parkland has been blessed to have benefitted from your passion for comprehensive programs designed to ensure the success of all students. Thank you for serving as a source of pride and inspiration to all of us."

Marcus spoke with The Press before the ceremony.

"It's a beautiful night," she said. "I am very proud of the achievements we have made and I am very confident in what the district can continue to do.

"It is a bittersweet night, but I have faith, respect and deep regard for Parkland School District and everyone involved with it."

After the list of names was read from the class roll and the diplomas one-by-one were received, the turning of the tassels and the tossing of some caps marked the official end to an unforgettable evening.

"In closing tonight, congratulations to the Parkland High School Class of 2015," Moniz said. "It was an honor serving as your principal for the past three years.

"As a class, you always represented Parkland High School with honor, receiving many accolades in the classroom, on the field, in the theater and in the community.

"I thank you for a truly memorable senior year."