Emmaus HS Class of 2012 'Restored Dignity' to Graduation

The commencement ceremony went off without a hitch, as about 550 seniors received their diplomas at Stabler Arena on June 10, marking the end of their high school careers.

Also attended by members of the class of 1962 in celebration of their 50^th anniversary of graduation from the school, family and friends of this year's graduates cheered and applauded politely in support of the Class of 2012.

Graduating senior Lydia Gail Brough was named to the EHS Hall of Fame, an award started in the 2006-07 school year that is granted to a student each year showing exemplary scholarship, leadership, service, volunteerism and “an insatiable thirst for knowledge.” Her portrait, unveiled with the announcement on stage, will hang with past Hall of Fame winners in the school's library.

Various student speakers offered their perspective on the momentous occasion of their commencement as well.

Class president Taylor Leidheiser encouraged his classmates to, “Find something you're passionate about and pursue it with all your heart,” while National Honor Society president Jason Graybill reminisced about his years in school at Emmaus.

Student speakers Paras Kahn and Britt Gilbert also offered their thoughts, with Kahn interposing his with the philosophy of Kahlil Gibran and Gilbert urging fellow Class of 2012 members to seek their dreams and happiness, rather than just money in their future careers.

Additionally, student speaker Alicia Anders represented Lehigh County Technical Institute.

In a break from the usual, graduates were called to the stage alternating last names starting with “A” and “Z”, with the last students to receive their diplomas having surnames in the middle of the alphabet.

After receiving their diplomas, the Class of 2012 was declared officially graduated by East Penn School Board President Charles Ballard.

Additionally -- and -- EHS Principal David Piperato noted the politeness and good behavior of graduating seniors and the audience at the end of the ceremony.

“Thank you for bringing dignity back to Emmaus High School,” Piperato said.