Graduates of Northampton Area High School’s Class of 2018 paraded into Stabler Arena, Bethlehem, June 2 to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the well-acclaimed high school orchestra under the direction of Ryan Mertz.

Northampton Area School District Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kovalchik delivered opening remarks and welcomed the graduates, as well as the attending members of the Class of 1968. This ceremonial tie to past graduates reiterates a theme echoed through all the speeches - as a graduate, you are always a Konkrete Kid.

Kovalchik explained statistics on the Class of 2018: more advanced classes; increased top performers in skills competitions in vocational classes; top performers in Keystone Exams; the Big ‘N’ Band’s state competition win; and five Freddy nominations for this year’s production of “The Addams Family.” Kovalchik also praised the sports teams for their sportsmanship, competitive spirit and demeanor.

Salutatorian Shannon Reinhard gave a picture of her journey through the school system and the pride she had moving on to the high school.

“Life isn’t about being perfect, but it’s rolling with the punches,” she said.

Valedictorian Meg- han McGraw recounted her learning experiences over the past four years. She emphasized the graduates need to be the best version of themselves. The best way to meet that goal, she said, is “to follow your passion.” She commented that numbers from all the tests and assessments do not define a person and implored her peers to start defining the people they can be.

The class officers spoke of their high school experiences, interlacing snippets of humor.

Lane Markulics, class secretary, emphasized that the rules they learned in elementary school on how to get along with each other are still pertinent.

Julia Kester, class treasurer, reminisced on her school years. She asked that no matter where graduates roamed, they should return to their hometown.

Alexandra Horvath, class vice president, took graduates on a journey through the high school experience starting with the first days they entered high school in 2014.

Morgan Mullen, class president, emphasized that the future begins now.

“This is a significant moment,” she said. “It is a bittersweet day where we celebrate our accomplishments and yet have sadness on what we leave behind.”

The senior chorus serenaded graduates with “You Are the Music in Me” to round out the ceremony.

(Editor’s note: Senior awards will be printed in an upcoming edition.)