In a packed venue filled with family and friends, 741 members of Parkland High School’s Class of 2016 officially ended their high school careers June 14 at PPL center, Allentown.

They reminisced about their times together, and looked eagerly forward to the next chapter their lives.

Senior class President Alec Gayner addressed classmates and those gathered for the commencement ceremony.

Gayner said he looked to famous speeches while deciding upon what he would say.

While pulling ideas from many, Gayner said he gravitated to a speech that just stuck with him.

He had heard Ed Helm, from the television show “The Office,” speak at his brother’s graduation from Cornell in 2014.

He quoted Helm.

“I wish there was a way to know that you’re in ‘The Good Ole Days’ before you’ve left them,” Helm had said.

Gayner said he related to this quote, and if he could have given himself advice four years ago as a freshman, it would be to enjoy all life has to offer.

Before passing the PHS key to Cara Haring, president of the Class of 2017, Gayner asked his classmates and friends to keep one thing in mind.

“There are big ships, small ships, battleships and spaceships but the most important ship of all is a friendship,” Gayner said.

Senior members of the PHS Chorale then performed a musical selection, “And Wherever You Go” by Douglas Wagner followed by Vice Principal Theresa Stack’s introduction of the student speaker.

Each year, as is a Parkland tradition, a student speaker is chosen via a competition.

This year, the honor went to Hannah Hakim.

She was introduced by Assistant Principal Theresa Stack, who noted Hakim’s many attributes including dedication and leadership.

“Hannah’s dedication to developing and shaping the arts community at Parkland has been her hallmark,” Stack said.

She said Hakim’s goal in high school was “not in competing with others, but in raising the bar for herself.”

“Last year, she was ranked No. 3 nationally for her History Day performance, a one women show which Hannah authored, produced, directed and performed,” Stack said.

Hakim then spoke candidly with her classmates as if engaging in a hallway conversation.

She recalled being incredibly scared her first day of high school, wanting to fit in, and fearing being unable to.

“How would I fit in?” she asked rhetorically.

Answering her own question, Hakim said she eventually concluded she was not really made to fit in.

“I was not made to be one of the masses but neither are you” she said.

She told her clasmates, “Now is the time for figuring out who you really are, knowing who you are, and having the courage to be who you want to be.

“Be individuals and take one small step forward to create a giant leap.

“As millennials, we are often looked down upon. We are often referred to as being lazy or entitled, being mocked for our selfies and Twitters and being too attached to technology.”

“Although I do not believe that statement at all, one part is true; to us, technology has become an extra appendage, but why is that such a bad thing?”

“We are the first generation to grow up with the worlds’ knowledge at our fingertips and we relish it.

“We have the tools to change the world, to start our own movements. The world is changing and we want to lead the way.

“Be that one small person that changes the world, changing small steps into giant leaps. Be courageous, embrace who you are, and we, the Parkland Class of 2016, can achieve the unthinkable.

“I cannot wait to see where our giant leaps take us.”

Stack then presented 19 National Honor Society awards honoring soon-to-be graduates in academics, athletics, arts and technologies.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak then spoke on behalf of the school district.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to express my congratulations and best wishes to our graduating class,” 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.

“You are an accomplished graduation class that has brought pride to Parkland and what we reference as the three pillars of a quality comprehensive education program.

“These pillars we recognize as the athletics, arts and academics, and you all have made us extremely proud.”

With positive words looking toward a bright future despite the world’s problems, Sniscak encouraged, “No problem of human destiny is beyond human means.

“Capitalize on the opportunities of your generation.”

In the words of Mark Twain, Sniscak said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by those you did do;” and quoting from UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, he advised, “Be more concerned with your character than your representation because your character is what you really are, but your reputation is merely what others think of you.”

Sniscak then went on to introduce the top 3 percent of the Class of 2016, who wore red and gray cords around their necks as an insignia of accomplishment.

Principal James Moniz thanked six retiring faculty members who spent a total of 102 years serving the students of Parkland.

He then officially presented the Class of 2016 to Lisa Roth, vice president of the Parkland School Board.

Roth reminded the graduates of the Parkland School District’s motto, “’Educating for success, inspiring excellence.’

“You are now part of that initiative,” said Roth. “You have been a role model for over 9,000 other students in our district.

“Thank you, and please come back and visit.”

The diplomas were presented by Roth and Sniscak.

Moniz then spoke one last time to the Class of 2016.

He said this class was particularly special to him because they were freshman when he began as principal and he has had the opportunity to spend all four years of high school with them.

He left the class with these heartfelt words, “Live by all that Parkland has taught you…find opportunities for growth…and never settle for good enough. Congratulations Class of 2016!”

And then it was with the shake of a hand, the turn of a tassel, the tossing of a cap, and with diplomas in hand, the Parkland High School Class of 2016 began its recessional march, out of walls of the PPL Center, leaving high school behind, and taking a “giant leap” out into the world.