The rainy morning did not dampen the excitement as families and friends of the more than 120 graduating seniors of the Catasauqua High School Class of 2025 filled the CHS gymnasium May 31 in anticipation of the school’s 157th commencement.

After the Class of 2025, led by members of the administration, school board, larger school community and honored guests, entered the gymnasium to the sounds of the CHS band playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” student-selected speaker Matthew Fotta gave the invocation. He opened the ceremony by thanking those who supported them and helped them get to this point.

Class President Kadince Waldron and Vice Presidents Jada Keys-Pujols and Desiree Martin introduced the speakers.

Salutatorian Elias Butrous talked about the past.

“The past holds every aspect and learning moment that shaped our present,” he said, before going on to reminisce about memories from Sheckler Elementary School.

He added that when most people talk about the past, they discuss learning from their mistakes.

“We made most of our mistakes in middle school,” he joked, adding it was an especially important learning experience for them due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“High school shaped us to be ready to enter the real world,” he said, “but none of us are ready, and we’ll make a lot of mistakes.”

He encouraged his fellow classmates to live their lives so they don’t look back and regret the choices they didn’t make because of fear.

Alicia Avila, student-selected speaker, urged the other members of the Class of 2025 to enjoy the present and not to take the experiences for granted.

“It is easy to let these moments slip by,” she said, encouraging them to slow down and pay attention to what is happening and who is near.

Avila told her classmates to be genuine to themselves, to reflect and to grow.

Historian Maliah Price introduced James Bugbee, of the Class of 1975, who shared some thoughts before naming his classmates who attended the ceremony. Bugbee reminisced about learning how to get through difficult times from his parents and grandparents and urged the Class of 2025 to stay strong and resilient through life’s challenges.

He noted 50 years sounds like ancient history, but it goes by pretty fast. He told the youth to make the most of these years and to enjoy their time.

CHS Principal David Todd thanked the school board members, administration and staff for their support of the students. He also recognized the district retirees, especially Christopher Gerhard, the CHS assistant principal.

Todd shared some words of encouragement for the students and told them the struggles and challenges of life are necessary for growth. He told the students to “look up” and recognize they have an important place in this world; to “look down” and be humble and kind; and to “look toward home” at those who surround them and help them achieve their vision. The students were encouraged to know their roots and grow strong, live full lives, pursue love and seek peace.

Todd then discussed the class valedictorian and salutatorian. Valedictorian Cody Kurczeski is going to study archaeology at Yale University to “continue his journey of discovery,” Todd said. He described Kurczeski as a scholar, leader and inspiration.

According to Todd, Butrous will attend Muhlenberg College as a pre-med student studying biology. Todd celebrated his dedication, integrity and enthusiasm.

Todd then named the 21 students who received 16 honor rolls during their high school years.

Treasurer Zoe Roth presented the class gift. She said, after using their funds for prom festivities, hallway decorations, lip sync, yard signs, the senior sunset and more, the Class of 2025 was happy to present a track and field sign for Alumni Field.

Faculty-selected speaker Nhi Thai spoke about how this moment was a major stepping stone into the future.

“What a journey it has been for all of us,” Thai said.

She noted they all are more independent and have new skills for the opportunities ahead of them. She said they might not know what the future holds, but they should be bold and step out into it. The members of the Class of 2025 were encouraged to be themselves as they head into the future.

Kurczeski’s farewell speech included a story about trusting your instincts when faced with a big decision or a fork in the road. He noted he is even thankful for the wrong turns he took because they led him to who he is today. He mentioned sometimes those wrong turns or unexpected misadventures make life worth it.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling said it was a privilege and honor to be part of such a special celebration. She lauded the Class of 2025’s diligent work with purpose, engagement with the community and passion for the world around them.

“I have no doubt you will make a positive impact on the world around you,” Lutz-Doemling said.

After all of the graduates received their diplomas, a thunderous, foot-stomping applause filled the gymnasium. The band, led by Robert Arnold, performed the school’s alma mater.

The final benediction was given by student-selected speaker Jacob Ramos, who wished strength, hope and joy for his fellow graduates.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, but we made it to this day,” he said.

The Class of 2025, led by Waldron, moved their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left. They formed the time-honored tradition of the Grand Catty Line around the gym floor and, in one final act as a class, together tossed their caps into the air with a triumphant cheer.