Members of Whitehall High School’s Class of 2017 gathered June 5 for the final time as seniors at Stabler Arena, Bethlehem.

The commencement marked the 113th in Whitehall history on the breezy June evening as family and friends gathered to cheer on their loved ones. The festivities were joyous as 371 members of Whitehall High School became alumni.

The event kicked off with the Whitehall High School band’s performance of “Pomp and Circumstance” as members of staff and faculty made their way down the aisle. Soon, the Class of 2017 followed - to the roar of the crowd.

Nathan T. Davidson welcomed attendees as he prepared to host his first graduating class as principal.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by members of Whitehall High School Chorale, and then the first speech of the evening was conducted by class Treasurer Sabrina Barhoum.

Barhoum welcomed the class, saying she knew every single person in the arena had one thing in common - they were extremely proud. Barhoum joked that each member of the class should be thankful for the likes of Google, Sparknotes, Slater and even the copy/paste function, as they proved vital to their education experience. The tireless efforts put into the past 13 years brought the class to this moment, she said, adding, however, it is only the beginning.

Barhoum encouraged her peers to never be afraid to push for new ideas, to use technology to better themselves. Every journey begins with one small step, she said, adding, “Do something absolutely unforgettable.”

Meriam Deep was the next up to the podium. As the student chaplain, she gave the invocation before class President Gavin Wood took the stage.

Wood spoke about the Class of 2017’s achievements - notching 11 school records in athletics and collecting $15,000 for pediatric cancer research during the school’s Mini-THON. He praised the teachers who helped shape the students and urged his fellow graduates to enjoy the little things and take on the world.

“Commencement isn’t the end,” Wood said. “It’s simply a new beginning.”

Salutatorian Jordan Saliby, in his speech, quoted his favorite Netflix show “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”

“I learned a long time ago that a person can stand just about anything for 10 seconds; then you just start on a new 10 seconds. All you’ve got to do is take it 10 seconds at a time,” Saliby said.

He explained that every moment we live makes us who we are, and we can’t be fixated on the future without enjoying the present.

“To live without regret is true happiness, and I hope you find yours,” he said.

Valedictorian Daniel Rodrigues then addressed the class, saying he felt “like an odd kid growing up,” speaking a different language only he could understand. He said he felt like school was not for him and he didn’t need to be like the others. As he got older, something changed, he said. His sister inspired him to conform and become the student he is today. He learned he needed a purpose and to accept change as a part of life.

“There is always a person who will give you passion, a muse who will inspire you to become who you should be,” Rodrigues said. “When it comes to success, change the definition of what it means to be successful for yourself.”

Davidson introduced the Class of 1967, celebrating its 50th reunion this weekend, before addressing the Class of 2017.

“Graduates, be confident, be prepared. The world has changed so much since you stepped foot in kindergarten in 2003. But as the world evolves, new opportunities arise. Seek positive impact,” Davidson said.

Davidson gave the class one final assignment - to close their eyes and envision where they see themselves down the road. Who are they with? What are they doing? Where are they? He asked the class to open their eyes, telling them what they just saw was the definition of their goals and what they wish to achieve.

“Chase that vision with relentless passion. Congratulations, Class of 2017,” Davidson said.

The Class of 2017 was given one surprise before receiving their diplomas, as Assistant to the Superintendent Christopher A. Schiffert took the stage. Schiffert, who was WHS principal for the majority of the Class of 2017’s high school tenure, spoke to the students about the things he misses about no longer being principal. Seeing them was at the top of the list, he said.

Superintendent Dr. Lorie D. Hackett urged students to maintain relationships close to them, as few things in the world can mean as much as friendship and family.

All 371 members of the Class of 2017 took to the stage one by one to receive their diploma and, with a standing ovation from the crowd, became graduates.

(The list of senior award winners will appear in the June 15 edition of the Whitehall-Coplay Press.)