Parkland Class of 2025 President Omar Moawad, carrying the class key and senior class officers Mia De Pinho, Lilliana Rodriquez, Isabelle Fekula, Lilianna Schantz and Jaylee Hertz led their soon-to-be fellow graduates toward the next chapter in their lives, receiving their high school diplomas at commencement June 4 at the PPL Center, Allentown.

The procession of 798 seniors, dressed in red and gray gowns, walked into the arena as the high school band, under the direction of Jason D. Lerew and Allison M. Figueroa, performed “Pomp and Circumstance,” by Edward Elgar.

After the school’s Alma Mater by Effie Minnich Newberg and “The Star-Spangled Banner” were performed by the high band, Assistant Principal Crystal George welcomed the Class of 2025, family, friends, school board members and staff to the commencement before introducing Moawad.

“Good evening Parkland families, friends and the graduating Class of 2025,” Moawad said. “I am honored to speak to you tonight. Class of 2025 we finally made it.

“For the average person, high school will be only 5% of their lives, yet it is such a small percentage. We have been able to fill it with joy, laughter and unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime.

“You’re in charge of yourself and your future and from now on every experience and opportunity is what you make it.

“There is no one stopping us from chasing our goals, taking risks and becoming the best of ourselves. The only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves and the only opportunities we have are the ones we go after.

“The world is giving us a blank page and it’s up to us to fill it with our creativity, courage and purpose.

“What matters most is that we continue to move forward with a purpose. The future isn’t something we find, it’s something we create.

“We all have the same 24 hours in a day and the work you do in those hours will define your story.”

As his last official order of business as the president of the Class of 2025, Moawad passed the class key to Angelina Zaiter, president of the Class of 2026.

After Zaiter was presented the class key from Moawad, she addressed those gathered at the commencement ceremony.

“The Class of 2026 will uphold the excellency and tradition that came before us. We are highly aware of our responsibility and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead. Congratulations,” Zaiter said.

Following the musical presentation of “Slipping Through My Fingers” from Mamma Mia! performed by the senior chorale, student speaker Lilianna Schantz addressed the soon-to-be graduates.

“Good evening families, friends, faculty and everyone who has supported our tournaments but most of all good evening to the Parkland High School graduating Class of 2025,” Schantz said. “For those of you who don’t know me, for the past three years I’ve had the great privilege of serving as your senator class officer and as a school district representative for the Parkland Community Advisory Council.

“Essentially what all that means is that I served as your voice, hearing your ideas, frustrations and hopes and bringing them to the countless meetings to turn your voices into change. But tonight I stand in front of you not as a leader. I’m not here to speak for you but instead with you.

“Tonight feels a little surreal right after four years of cramming for tests, hours of homework, late nights, early mornings and all the fun high school has to offer. We’re finally here.

“However, tonight is not just about walking on stage grabbing our diploma and reaching the finish line. It’s only fair to recognize the ups and downs that have brought us here. “We’ve gone from being freshman figuring out how to open our lockers to seniors not even having a locker and figuring out how to say goodbye.

“And as we graduate we step into a world that doesn’t come with a syllabus or study guide, rather one that’s ever changing and unpredictable with the ground shifts beneath our feet and sometimes the best thought-out plans don’t go our way. That’s scary but also kind of thrilling.”

Schantz then said there’s a quote by Wes Moore, “Life will happen to you whether you’re trying to hide it or not, so you might as well try to influence the outcome.”

“Whether you realize it or not we’ve been living the message of this quote daily. Influencing the outcome of our lives isn’t about being in total control of everything that happens to us, it’s about making the most of what we can control, our reactions, our efforts, our kindness, our resilience and our ability to try again after we experience a setback.

“Think of this, you didn’t let that moment define you. You learned, adapted and grew not instantly, not perfectly but persistently and now look at where you are and who you have become.

“Sometimes our purpose shows up in those messy moments when we realize we’re stronger than we thought. In the times when we step out of our comfort zones, speak out or support someone else, we take the unpredictability of the real world and embrace it into growth and somewhere along the way we realize our actions not only affect our individual being but they ripple to those around us.

“We are not just resilient but connected and that connection will carry us far beyond graduation.

“The truth is there’s no single version of success beyond tonight whether you’re going to college, serving in the military, taking a gap year or still figuring out your path. Your direction doesn’t define your destination. What does matter is how you carry yourself along the way. Growth isn’t about the path itself but how you walk it.

“The world needs quality people who are willing to grow and willing to help others grow. Each and every one of you has the power to be that person. You have the power to take unpredictability and influence the outcome not just for yourself but for the community you will become part of next.

“Class of 2025 the future is unknown but so were the last four years and look at us now. So as we step away from the lesson plans and classrooms we called home, the teams and the stages we poured ourselves into and the people who have shaped us, we carry more than simply memories.

“We carry the momentum and strength to push forward, so whatever comes next remember this moment and when life begins to feel uncertain again, remember that you’ve already made it through uncertainty before. This isn’t the end of your story but rather in the moment pick up the pen and start to write the next chapter. So take the leap, trust your journey and don’t just wait to see what happens next. Go out and shape your path,” Schantz said.

After Assistant Principal Crystal George’s presentation of the National Honor Society awards, District Superintendent Dr. Mark J. Madson addressed the soon-to-be graduates.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to express my congratulations and best wishes to our graduating class,” Madson said. “As I was thinking about what to say this evening and searching for the right message, the right inspiration, the right insight for your future, I realized the unique significance of this graduating class.

“The Class of 2025 is particularly special to me as I also began my journey at the Parkland School District when most of you entered your journey at Parkland High School four years ago.

“It’s truly inspiring to witness the remarkable achievements of this particular graduating class. The level of success you have reached is unbelievable.”

He then went on to tell the seniors the night was about them and all of what they see around them is to celebrate them, the hard work in their accomplishments and about celebrating the memories of the past while holding great expectations for the future.

“We’re proud of what you have accomplished and what you will accomplish. We want you to be great, we want you to be successful in the top of your field but we also need you to be good people because your voice matters, you matter, your impact on others matter, your presence, your effort everything that comes and goes matters with you.

“Be extremely mindful of the effect you have on others. Embrace the journey ahead. As Eleanor Roosevelt once stated, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’ and there’s so much for you to anticipate as you move forward on your journey.”

He then, in the spirit of gratitude, took the opportunity to thank all of the members of the Class of 2025 who will be entering the military.

“I believe I can speak for everyone here tonight and on behalf of my own family, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, your dedication to our country and the freedoms we enjoy, it will never be forgotten. Thank you and to the entire Class of 2025 I offer my sincere congratulations for all you have accomplished and for inspiring us all. After seeing all you have done this year, I am confident our future is in great hands.”

Prior to the awarding of diplomas, Assistant Superintendents Michelle Minotti and Timothy Chorones recognized the top 3% of the Class of 2025.

After the award of diplomas, Parkland High School Principal Nathan T. Davidson closed the commencement.

“These past four years have been incredibly demanding on you. It is my hope that you enjoyed your excellent experience and tonight’s ceremony has given you the opportunity to reflect on how far you have come and how much you have accomplished,” Davidson said.

“As we close our evening I want to take this opportunity to tell you how honored I have been to serve as your principal. Seniors you have made my job incredibly rewarding. It has been a joy to witness the energy and passion you have brought to our school and community. “You’ve grown up so much since you walked through the door four years ago. Today you stand before us as confident young adults, leaders in our classroom, on our teams, ensembles and our community.

“Your successes have been many, those accomplishments will leave a legacy that will separate you from every other class of seniors who have walked our halls. Your legacy is impressive. But as I step back and look at all of you, what has impressed me more is how you handle the situations where you come up just a tad short.

“The resilience you have shown in the moments of great disappointment when things may not have gone exactly as planned, when you fell a little short, missed out on the nomination or award or reaching that goal, you all responded with humility, grace and strength. These lessons my friends are life lessons.

“Life is not always perfect. Sometimes things don’t go your way and you know what? That’s OK.“

He then told the graduates it is now their time to stand up and leave their mark.

“The world more than ever needs your voices, it needs your ideas and needs your drive so as you move forward do not be afraid to fail, continue to set goals and work like crazy to achieve them. Embrace new things and most importantly be good to yourselves and one another.

“It is my hope the lessons you have learned in high school about hard work, humility and compassion will continue to guide you through the next chapter of your life. Continue to strive for excellence. Graduates we wish you well, we wish you good health and we wish you continued success in all that you peruse. You will be missed.”