Family and friends filtered into the Catasauqua High School gymnasium, toting flowers, gifts and big smiles to celebrate the Class of 2026. The 158th CHS commencement was held May 30.

The audience members gathered together before the ceremony, pointing out names and achievements in the program, which featured cover art by Class of 2026 member Juliana Burgos. The lively conversation abated as the CHS band, under the direction of Robert Arnold, played the processional songs and the national anthem.

The invocation to open the commencement ceremony was read by Lennon Murray, a student-selected speaker and the class vice president.

Salutatorian Dakota Velas talked about the past. She reflected on their transformations over the last four years, noting they learned patience, resilience and how to handle pressure. Their time was spent learning, adapting and moving forward.

“No matter the challenge, we learned to fight for what mattered to us,” Velas said.

She told her classmates to remember the little ordinary moments and the inside jokes, which helped shape who they are. She noted these small moments matter most and don’t limit their future.

“No matter where life takes us, this chapter is ours,” Velas added.

Hailey Jenkins, class secretary and faculty-selected speaker, shared her thoughts on the present and how bittersweet this moment is for them. She told her classmates to treasure the moment before it is gone. She mentioned they spend so much time worrying about the future, they can forget to live in the present.

She encouraged her peers not to worry as much about the future and embrace life as it comes — mistakes and all.

Kayla Davis, class historian, introduced Annette (Marhefka) Englert, who represented the Class of 1976. She shared recollections of when they were graduating seniors 50 years ago, noting it was the country’s bicentennial year, which made it special for them. Englert remembered looking back at the 50-year grads then, and now, she and her classmates are those honored guests.

“Go into the world and do good,” she said.

CHS Principal David Todd took time to recognize the board of education members and district retirees. He thanked the teachers, administration, staff and larger school community for their support of the students and their future.

He then addressed the members of the Class of 2026, saying he wanted to impart some final lessons to them as they leave high school.

“This is not the end — it’s the beginning of who you’ll become,” Todd said.

He shared a personal story about a low time in his life when he was ready to give up and was fighting to continue pushing forward. He said this life journey led him to CHS in 2023 when he joined the staff as principal. According to Todd, he was told about the “special sophomore class” when he started.

That class is now preparing to take their next steps into the future. He told them this is their moment to write their own future.

“You’ve made me a better person, a better principal, and I’ll carry you with me moving forward,” Todd said in an emotional final thought to the Class of 2026.

Todd took time to recognize and honor the class valedictorian — Brianna Abbott — and Velas as the salutatorian. He shared details about their accomplishments and accolades.

He then named the 29 students who earned 16 straight honor rolls during their time in high school.

Class Treasurer Nikoloz Kemashvili reported the Class of 2026’s remaining funds will be donated to support the school’s athletes and sports programs.

Davis was the student-selected speaker to reflect on the future. She mentioned the future is uncertain and unexpected. It doesn’t always follow the plan, and you don’t always become who you thought you’d be, and that is fine.

“Perfection isn’t promised, but progress is,” she said.

Davis told her classmates to look back and embrace the last four years since those moments led to this one. Those moments helped shape their path forward.

“Make choices you can be proud of,” she urged her peers.

Class President Chris Wellington was the student-selected speaker to deliver the farewell.

“We actually made it through high school,” he said to his classmates. “Look at us — caps and gowns and diplomas in hand.”

He talked about how much they’ve learned and grown over the years, not just as students but as human beings. Wellington also noted the Class of 2026 is one of the most successful in CHS history, highlighting a number of accomplishments and achievements attributed to them.

He asked them all to always remember the bonds formed and encouraged his peers to make mistakes, change their minds and explore as they move on to their next chapters.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling shared her pride in being able to take part in the graduation ceremony and help celebrate the “tremendous achievements of the Class of 2026.” She noted they not only excelled in the areas of athletics, academics and the arts, but they’ve forged meaningful connections in the community. She said she cannot wait to see the promising future impacts these students will make.

Cheers and whistles echoed throughout the gymnasium as each of the approximate 120 graduates crossed the stage and received their diplomas.

After the playing of the alma mater, student-selected speaker Hamaad Jenkins gave the final remarks and benediction. He asked his classmates to go forth with gratitude, knowledge and courage and to remember their blessings and that being a Rough Rider means having friends and a community.

Wellington once again stood before his classmates.

“Let’s make it official,” he said. “Move your tassels from right to left.”

Todd then encouraged the new graduates to take part in the “time-honored tradition” of the Grand Catty Line. The Class of 2026 circled the edges of the court and, with claps and cheers, took their final act together as a class and tossed their caps in the air in celebration of their accomplishments.