'Light a fire' in life, 163 Tamaqua Area grads urged
TAMAQUA — As the Class of 2024 emerged from Tamaqua Area High School to the applause of teachers and administrators Thursday evening, a woman leaning on a walker recorded the procession on a cellphone.
Cathy Haldeman made the same walk from the high school to the athletic field 51 years ago as a member of the Class of 1973.
Though she sat on “rickety old bleachers,” Haldeman recalled her commencement as amazing. She left high school full of hope for the future.
“I wish them the best,” said Haldeman, a retired licensed practical nurse who lives in Tamaqua. “Today’s world isn’t the greatest.”
Wearing school colors — men in blue, women in white — 163 seniors entered the stadium to strains of “Pomp and Circumstance.”
People in the packed stadium rose, many with hands pressed over their hearts, as seniors in the school’s jazz chorale performed the “Star Spangled Banner.”
In his parting speech, Class President Stephen Behun IV found inspiration in the legacy of hardworking coal miners who forged a modern nation during the Industrial Revolution.
“Those who came before us changed the world,” he said. “Now, it is our turn to carry that burden and be inspired by their grit and strength in the face of adversity.”
Urging class members to acknowledge their hard work, Behun challenged them to come up with a goal or aspiration, no matter how lofty, and pursue that dream.
In the ceremonial passing of the torch, Behun handed the gavel to Ignatius Neifert, president of the Class of 2025.
Neifert commended the graduates for their resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they adapted to other ways of learning in the technological age.
“The junior class,” he said, “sure has some big shoes to fill for next year, assuming leadership positions with the same humility, respect and enthusiasm as their predecessors.”
Superintendent Raymond J. Kinder congratulated the 134th graduating class at Tamaqua upon embarking on a new chapter in their lives.
“School was tough. And I have news for you: It was supposed to be,” Kinder said. “When you reminisce, I hope you remember the good things that happened to you and have positively shaped your life, and provided a jumping off point for a life full of potential.”
Kinder introduced the guest speaker, Eric Lech, a Tamaqua graduate who is director of curriculum and instruction/educational technologies at Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21.
A former Spanish teacher at Tamaqua Area High School, he also coached the swimming, diving and cross country teams.
“Don’t settle for a spark; light a fire instead,” he told the graduates.
Citing sparks that ignited his 24-year career as an educator, Lech said experiences that shape a person’s future can come in many forms.
“If it inspires you, if it fits with you, if it brings you joy, pursue it,” he said. “Believe in yourself, that you can be or do whatever you need to do.”
Hunter Ruch, valedictorian, gave the farewell address to his classmates.
“Grab life by the collar and feel fulfillment,” he urged, “because what else are our lives for?”
In handing out diplomas, Kinder was joined by Stephen P. Toth, assistant superintendent; Thomas J. McCabe, principal; and Lisa M. Shirvinski, assistant principal.
Haldeman, meanwhile, watched commencement from a distance, seated on her walker behind a fence overlooking the stadium.
Her thoughts drifted back to when she received her Tamaqua Area High School diploma in 1973.
The nation was divided over the war in Vietnam, students were protesting on college campuses and the Watergate scandal that would force President Richard M. Nixon from office was in its early stages.
“When we graduated, the world was a scary place,” she recalled. “But we survived.”
