On a slightly cloudy Friday evening, the Upper Perkiomen High School held a graduation ceremony for its class of 2022 seniors.  The long-awaited event for the seniors was the happy and successful conclusion after 13 years of study to achieve a diploma.  Parents, family members, friends, school faculty, and teachers gathered in the high school stadium to share in the graduates' accomplishment.

            There were a few misty-eyed parents in the audience, pleased that their children had achieved this milestone.

            The senior class of 235 students proudly entered the stadium to the music of "Pomp and Circumstance." A beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner" was sung by the UPHS Uptones and Senior Choir members.  The choir and Uptones followed with an equally beautiful presentation of the Upper Perkiomen Alma Mater.

            Speakers at the commencement included Class Valedictorian Iris Peluso who noted, at this time in their lives, graduates will make decisions that will affect their futures.  Peluso urged seniors to believe in themselves, live in the moment, and have fun.

            Class Salutatorian Kyle Schmoyer recommended the graduating seniors thank their parents and teachers for their support.  Schmoyer suggested graduates cherish what they have.

            Class President Enoc Padilla urged his classmates to make the best of the present but to prepare for the future.  Padilla suggested, "Don't race to your goals.  Let your goals come to you."

            Superintendent Allyn Roche mentioned some difficulties the class of 2022 endured to pursue their degrees, such as COVID lockdowns, virtual and hybrid schooling. 

High School Principal Robert Carpenter noted that 71 percent of the class will pursue some form of higher education, 46 percent will enter a baccalaureate or master's program, while 25 percent of the seniors will seek a two-year or technical degree.  He thanked two graduating seniors for volunteering for a military career.  According to the principal, 55 students graduated not only from Upper Perkiomen High School but also from the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center. 

            The principal stated proudly that over $1 million dollars have been awarded in scholarships to the graduates. More than 38 students received local awards that totaled over $50,000.  Carpenter thanked local supporters for their generosity.

            Roche noted that because of the difficulties the class of 2022 endured, they are resilient and ready for the next steps in life.  He recommended students thank their entire support group for their assistance over the years. The superintendent concluded his remarks by quoting the Philosopher Socrates, "The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but in building the new."

            School board President, Judith Maginnis declared the class of 2022 as qualified to receive its diplomas. Suddenly, as the diplomas were handed to the graduates, the sun burst through the clouds.