On a beautiful crisp May 29 evening, family, friends and staff gathered to watch around 160 seniors from the Class of 2026 receive their diplomas at Northwestern Lehigh High School’s 69th commencement ceremony at Tiger Stadium.

Northwestern Lehigh HS Principal Aileen Yadush opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone to Tiger Stadium and addressing the soon-to-be graduates and their families.

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

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

“As you move forward, we hope that you carry with you the memories that you have made here, create new ones along the way and share the lessons with those who follow behind you. Congratulations Class of 2026 and welcome to your graduation ceremony.”

Class president Hannah Gober started her farewell address to the Class of 2026 by thanking family, friends, teachers, administrators and most importantly her graduating class for being at the commencement ceremony to celebrate a milestone.

She said the main reason they all were gathered there was to recognize the academic accomplish of this year’s graduating class.

“It is equally important to recognize the memories, friendships and experiences that shaped us into the individuals about to walk across the stage,” she said. “Over the past few weeks I have been reflecting over our time here at Northwestern and wondering how I was going to put into words our class’ legacy. Before entering the halls at the high school, one could say our legacy processed us. We first entered high school as any freshman does, excited for a new chapter but nervous about the way to open our lockers. We quickly shook this nervousness to make way for the personality our parents and teachers have to come to know and love.

“It was clear we liked to have fun, and the entertainment didn’t stop there. At prom one table took it upon themselves to construct a five-tier pyramid of empty Shirley Temple glasses that they had gathered. Why? Just to able to say they did it. Our class had perfected the art of doing things ‘just because.’ Just because it brought us joy; just because it made people laugh; just because we knew a few years down the road we would remember it. We really like to make memories that people can talk about long after they have happened.

“We also left more positive impacts at Northwestern over the short time we spent here whether it was on the field or in the classroom. From the state championships to the success on the stage and endless awards at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, we made the memories that last, and we did it because we found joy in all of it. As I come to a close, I want to thank all of my classmates for an extremely amazing four years, and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. As you enter your next chapter, remember to talk less and smile more. There will always be a million things you haven’t done, but after tonight, graduating won’t be one of them.”

Jenny Rivera Rosa, student speaker, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her fellow graduates.

“I felt very lost like I didn’t have a place of my own here,” she said. “I wasn’t into sports like most of you. I wasn’t academically gifted, so I kept asking myself ‘What is my purpose?” and ‘Where do I belong?’ It wasn’t until freshman year walking into LCTI that I felt somewhat at home. I felt like I had a place where I belonged,” she said.

She said Northwestern is a place that helped her achieve her goals.

“It allowed me to expand my resources, meet new people and experience new opportunities,” she said. “In the past four years, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to be a part of a program which allowed me to volunteer at local homes to do activities with the elderly, volunteer at Special Olympics and be able to travel with my peers. I have learned a lot about myself and gained confidence in my future career choice. If it weren’t for Northwestern, this would not have been possible. Not only did Northwestern give me a second home, but it also gave me a place I will forever cherish.”

She said she cannot be more thankful for the opportunities, connections and friendships she had made.

“There is something so special about senior year with the people you would have never thought you’d speak to in the past three years, but somehow, someway you speak to them now. The funny thing is you never thought you would be friends with them, but you are. After today, the halls we once walked though with our friends crying, stressed about tests will just become memories. The Friday night football games, the pep rallies, homecoming, spirit week will all become memories, stories that we tell our children or friends.

“We always say that we can’t wait to walk across the stage and finally be done. It is differently exciting and a relief that we are all moving on and starting a new chapter. But you can’t lie. It is a little sad. We are letting go of a place and faculty members who have watched us grow. Letting go of our childhood can be scary, especially since our generation has constantly been told what we can and can’t do.”

“Throughout our lives we had already had our future set in stone, and we haven’t even been given the chance to show what we can really do. It’s finally our time to show them what we are capable of, what we will become and how we will contribute to our society,” she said. “Please know that you don’t have to have everything mapped out. It’s OK to feel a little lost. It’s OK to be unsure of what you want. It’s all part of the process of growing and learning as we go. It does not make you any less worthy than others.

“I know some of us are going to college and others have different plans for what we want to do. But whatever we choose to do, don’t forget to love because at the end of the day we won’t remember the stressful test, the study sessions, our grades or GPA. We will remember the memories we have chosen to make. Experience life because if all you’re doing is for the validation of those things, you’re not really living at all. All of us have a calling or something unique that we will make of ourselves.”

She said no matter if you’re going to community college or a university or if you want to take a gap year to figure it out, “We are all equally deserving of a place in society. We all have fought tirelessly to be where we are today, and we are truly deserving of it. Class of 2026, it is finally our turn, it is finally our time, and I know we are going to be great,” she said.

During the ceremony, Lily Alice Kinnon recognized the National Honor Society members; Jonah Alexander Lawrence recognized National Technical Honor Society members; and Elizabeth Christine Diehl and Jaslene Ortiz recognized the Science National Honor Society members.

Northwestern Assistant Principal Matthew Givler recognized the senior award recipients who were recently honored by the school district and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.

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’s my honor to welcome you to the Class of 2026 commencement ceremony,” Hernandez said. “To our graduates’ families, friends and educators, thank you for being here to celebrate this special occasion. I would like to also recognize the families and our dedicated faculty, staff, coaches and administrators who have supported this class every step of the way. Your guidance is what helped make this moment possible.”

Addressing the soon-to-be graduates, he said, “Tonight, we celebrate Northwestern Lehigh High School’s 69th commencement, but as you heard commencement is not an ending, it is the beginning, the start of a new chapter where you choose the path as you begin writing your own story.”

He told the seniors their time at Northwestern has helped shape who they are today and prepared them for what comes next.

“Class of 2026 this is your moment,” he said. “As you sit here together, take a moment and reflect on your journey, on the friendships, the challenges and the people who have supported you along the way, including those here with you tonight and those who you carry in your hearts. Your Tiger community is proud of you and excited for what you will accomplish in the future,” Hernandez said.

“As you leave Tiger Stadium as alumni, know that challenges will come, but you are ready. Have the courage to do the right thing even when it’s hard. Our world needs people of integrity, kindness and strength. Remember to find joy in the little things. Dream big. Stay humble. Be kind and carry the values of Tiger Pride with you. They will serve you well wherever life takes you,” he said. “Today we celebrate your achievements and look ahead with great confidence in all that you will become. Congratulations Northwestern Lehigh Class of 2026. Hold your memories of Tiger Country close and may God bless you as you begin your next adventure.”

Dr. Jennifer Holman, superintendent of schools, reminded the soon-to-be graduates that the commencement ceremony is far more than the completion of high school. It is to celebrate their perseverance, growth, resilience and the beginning of the new chapter in their lives.

“Graduation marks the culmination of 13 years in which you graduates have demonstrated that you were driven by curiosity, passion and purpose and determined to positively impact your community,” she said. “The Northwestern Lehigh community has always valued hard work, service and looking out for one another, and this class has certainly reflected those values well. You have overcome challenges, embraced opportunities and grown into the remarkable young adults we celebrate tonight.

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

She told the seniors that crossing the threshold from high school to adulthood as they receive their diploma has been no small achievement as many have balanced academics with extracurricular activities, jobs and responsibilities at home.

“The path here wasn’t easy, but you persevered to reach this point, and it took much dedication and years of hard work,” she said. “We are credibly proud of each of you and excited to hear what the future holds for each of you.”

“Take pride in what you have accomplish and never lose sight of who helped you along the way. No one reaches this milestone alone. Behind every graduate sitting before us tonight are parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, mentors and employers, friends and classmates who have helped shape the person each has become. Never forget those people who challenged you, stood beside you along the way. I know they are as proud of you as I am.”

She closed by reminding the Class of 2026 that their future will not be defined by what they’ve achieved but by the character they demonstrate, the integrity they uphold and the impact that they have on others.

“Wherever life takes you, carry those values, those relationships that have brought you to this moment tonight. Class of 2026, we are proud of you. We value you, and we look forward to all you can accomplish,” Holman said.

After the presentation of the diplomas, Principal Yadush ended the ceremony by talking about a video she recently received.

“A good friend of mine recently sent me a link to a commencement speech given by country singer Eric Church at the University of North Carolina,” she said.

She said in his speech Church spoke about six important principles, one of which is the importance of community. He challenged the graduates to build the things that the community needs even if the Internet will never see it and to avoid the temptation to perform for everyone, but belong to no one.

“Class of 2026, through your time at Northwestern Lehigh you have done exactly that. You entertained, inspired and supported this community through your talents, leadership, service and character. You built something here,” she said.

After reminiscing about their time in high school and sharing their extensive list of accomplishment, she said, “You all worked to make sure that the next generation had what they needed and you did it without accolades, without credit and without the Internet seeing it.

“As Eric Church challenged the USC graduates to do, you have resisted the temptation to belong to no one. Instead, you chose to belong here. You built something within this school and within this community that will last long after tonight. Your accomplishments have earned trophies, medals, championships awards and recognition, but your character earned each and every one of you something even more important--a permanent place in the story of Northwestern Lehigh. You are now and always will be Tigers. Congratulations graduates you will be missed.”