After a two-day postponement due to the forecast of rain, family and friends gathered June 1 to watch 165 seniors from the Class of 2025 receive their high school diplomas at Northwestern Lehigh High School’s 68th annual commencement ceremony at Tiger Stadium.

Northwestern Lehigh High School Principal Aileen M. Yadush opened the ceremony by addressing the soon-to-be graduates and their families.

“Today we come together to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable young men and women to honor the unwavering support of the family, friends and teachers who have helped them along the way,” she said. “Seniors, as we reflect on your journey from kindergarten through 12th grade, take pride in every challenge you faced and every milestone you’ve reached. Each transition you’ve made year after year has brought you to this moment.

“As you listen to your classmates this afternoon, remember that your next transition starts now. Today marks the start of a new chapter one that stretches beyond the walls of Northwestern Lehigh High School.

“As you step forward on this journey, we hope that you carry the memories you’ve made, build new memories along the way and share what you have learned with those who walk behind you. Congratulations class of 2025, and welcome to your graduation ceremony.”

Rylee Grace McGinley, class president, started her speech by thanking her parents before taking a moment to acknowledge all of the teachers who have left a lasting imprint on the seniors’ hearts and minds.

“Although we didn’t always fully appreciate you (teachers) on test days and evenings crammed with assignments, I think we can look back now and realize how fortunate we are to have encountered each of you along our journey as you helped us to grow and blossom into the individuals we are today,” she said. “Lastly, I want to congratulate my fellow classmates on reaching this milestone. Getting to know all of you has been a great blessing, and there is no other group that I would rather be standing in front of right now.”

McGinley said the past few weeks she has been reflecting on how quickly their time has gone at Northwestern.

“It seems like just yesterday we were scrawny scared freshman walking into the building for the first time, and now we are here four years later ready to close this chapter and begin writing a new one,” she said.

This is a special community to be part of, and she said she is certain everyone will have fond memories to hold on to for years to come.

“Our time here may end today but those memories will never die. Now that I’ve put everyone in a sentimental mood, it is time to transition from the past to right now,” she said. “I would like to share with you a quote which you may recognize if you’re a fan of the Kung Fu Panda movie series. ‘Yesterday’s history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.’ Today, we stand on the precept of two stages of life leaving behind everything and everyone that we have ever known and looking forward to a completely unknown future that we can only guess at … so I implore you to be present in this moment. The present truly is a gift, one that you can keep on unwrapping every morning that you wake up.”

She told her classmates not to worry about yesterday because what’s done is done and they can’t change the past.

“If you take one thing away from my speech today, let it be this your life will only go faster from this point forward, but you can choose to slow down. You can decide to take a pause and appreciate what is right in front of you,” McGinley said. “Undoubtedly, we will all experience hardships and obstacles throughout our lives. Many of us have already dealt with difficult situations, and we still made it here today all the better because of it.”

“No matter where life takes you, my wish is that you will remember that you have a purpose and there is a plan for you. Take peace in every second knowing that you are exactly where you need to be,” McGinley said in closing.

Arianna Fratrik delivered the student address.

“To be completely honest, I was hesitant to write a speech. It was only recently that I connected with a student who ultimately gave me the motivation to address this to you,” she said.

“Today as we gather to celebrate our achievements, I want to take a moment to recognize every individual here. Every year we looked to honor academic excellence, athletic prowess and talent. With all that work, comes struggles many, if not all of us, have faced during our high school career. I know I have. It takes a toll on us mentally or physically. Your struggles make you who you are if not a better person,” Fratrik said.

“As we move forward into the next chapter of our lives, I encourage each of you to carry the spirit of inclusion and determination, continue celebrating each person’s unique journey, including your own. Every voice matters and every story is important. No accomplishment goes unnoticed; you are remembered in love by your peers so let’s go out into the world to pursue our dreams with passion and dedication, but let’s also be mindful of those around us,” she said. “Let’s create spaces where everyone feels valued and seen. Together we will make a difference. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 here’s to a bright future to all of us.”

Cara Marie Thomas, gave the final student address to the Class of 2025 titled “What we leave behind.”

“Given the opportunity to reflect back on these past four years at Northwestern Lehigh High School, I would like to call your attention to something we may often overlook about our experience here,” she said. “This concept wasn’t found in the pages of our textbooks or on the test we took in class but rather in the moments we cherished with one another throughout our time after school. Unknowingly as we joined our respective teams, clubs and organizations here, we built something not so easily erased; we built a legacy.”

Traditionally that word might be associated with the world’s most highly influential and successful people, she said. We may think of billionaires like Jeff Bezos or music stars such as Taylor Swift, but a legacy isn’t the money one has or the number of people who know one’s name. It’s not some coveted dream that only a couple people get to attain throughout their lives. There’s no exclusive club with finite requirements of entry, a legacy is for everyone.

“Without even realizing it each of us has left a distinct footprint on Northwestern during our time here,” Thomas said. “The legacy we’re leaving isn’t measured in the grades earned or the accolades we received, but rather in the connections we made, lives we impacted and kindness we bestowed upon our classmates when no one was watching. In the moments unseen by most, we helped each other up when someone was down and made one another smile when no one else could.

“Individually, we each created a story, and we each made a unique impact on one another and, most importantly, this community. While our individual legacies might not be as large as our combined remembrance of the Class of 2025, I want each and every one of you to know that you all made a difference in some way, and it has not gone unnoticed.”

Thomas then asked her classmates to think about what kind of legacy they want to leave behind.

“This is your opportunity, a chance to start fresh with the new pages in your story,” she said. “As we enter the world of employment, join the military and continue our education we get to craft our next mark, we get to choose how we want to be remembered from this point forward.

“Give compassion to others; take on new challenges; lead with courage and be proud of yourself. Be proud of the new legacy you make just as I am so proud of the one you’ve built here.

“One last thing,” she said. “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t be good at everything because your legacy is up to you and you alone to determine.

During the ceremony, Thomas recognized the Honor Society members and Aubrey C. Webster recognized the National Technical Honor Society members. Siena G. Almonti and Jarrett Randolph Jones recognized the Science National Honor Society members. Northwestern Assistant Principal Matthew Givler recognized senior award recipients who were recently honored by the school district and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.

He said this year 60 students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and technical education.

“This year our seniors were honored with just over $46,000 in awards and scholarships generously provided by the Northwestern Lehigh School District faculty and staff, local businesses and national organizations,” Givler said. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all community members and partners who contributed to making these awards possible.”

Todd Hernandez, school board president, and Dr. Jennifer Holman, district superintendent, also both addressed the graduates, before handing them their diplomas.

“On behalf of the Northwestern Lehigh School Board of Directors it is my honor and privilege to welcome all of you here to the Class of 2025 commencement ceremony,” he said. “I would like to extend a special thanks the to all the families and friends, and our dedicated administration, coaches and staff who were instrumental in helping this class reach this day of accomplishment and celebration.

Hernandez told the seniors as they commemorate this occasion to take it all in and reflect on the experiences they have had at Northwestern and to acknowledge the support they have gotten through the years from their teachers, coaches, advisers, directors, family and friends.

“All those individuals in your Tiger community are proud of your accomplishments and look forward to your future accomplishments,” he said. “After you exit through the gates from Tiger Stadium as alumni, you will most certainly face challenges in the future. It takes courage to do the right thing, but the world needs people who are willing to do the right thing even when it’s hard.

“You only get one shot at life so find the joy in the little things every day,” he said. “Dream big; stay humble; be kind and say please and thank you and remember the tenants of Tiger Pride as you venture out to pursue your dreams. It will serve you well outside the halls of Northwestern.”

Holman reminded the soon-to-be graduates that commencement at Northwestern Lehigh has always been a momentous occasion.

“Graduation marks the culmination of 13 years in which you have demonstrated that you are driven by curiosity, passion and purpose and determined to positively impact your community,” she said. “Many of you have overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and grown into the remarkable individuals that we see before us today.

“As Northwestern Lehigh graduates, you represent a future of great potential and are well prepared to meet the future with confidence. Whether your next step is higher education, the workforce or military service, you’re leaving here equipped to contribute meaningfully to the communities and beyond.”

She said crossing the threshold to adulthood as they receive their diplomas was no small achievement for many of them who had to balance academics with extra-curriculars, jobs and responsibilities at home. The path wasn’t easy, but they persevered to reach this point.

“We are incredibly proud of each of you and are excited to hear what the future holds for each of you,” Holman said. “Take pride in what you have accomplished and take time to reflect upon those who helped you along the way because no one reaches this point alone. Remember the teachers, classmates, neighbors, employers and most importantly your families — those who helped shape you into the resilient, capable, and compassionate people that you are today. I know they are as proud of you as I am.”

She closed by reminding the graduates that the world is full of opportunity, but their success will not be measured by titles or accolades, but built by the positive difference that they make in the lives of others.

“Live with purpose and lead with integrity,” she said.

After the presentation of the diplomas, Principal Yadush ended the ceremony by talking about her love of getting packages delivered to her home from Amazon. She said the real magic isn’t just in Amazon’s speed it’s in their system, their focus, and their culture.

“Amazon’s corporate slogan is ‘Work hard. Have fun. Make history,’ she said. “This year you worked hard. You pushed through deadlines, exams, practices and performances. You had fun. Sometimes a little too much fun, but, hey, what’s high school without a few pranks and some laughs. ‘Make history.’ You certainly did that too in your achievements, your leadership and your legacy.

“You have left a mark that can’t be returned or exchanged. You worked hard at learning your trades, maintaining academic rigor, and demonstrating your skills.”

After reminiscing about their time in high school and sharing their extensive list of their accomplishments and accolades and the records they broke along the way, she said “Graduates this class, your class has conquered what Amazon strives to do with the retail empire each and every day. You worked hard. You had fun and you made history.

“You will never be forgotten for everything that each and every one of you has contributed to the Northwestern Lehigh High School community. Congratulations Class of 2025. You will be missed.”