Despite a smoky haze hanging over Keeny Stadium, the Upper Perkiomen High School held an outdoor graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023. The bleachers in the stadium were filled as family, friends, and school faculty and administration were all present to help celebrate these seniors' accomplishments.

            The 226 seniors confidently entered the stadium to "Pomp and Circumstance" performed by the high school band, followed by the national anthem sung by the Upper Perkiomen Senior Choir Members. The Upper Perkiomen Senior Choir members then sang the Upper Perkiomen Alma Mater.

            During an abbreviated ceremony, due to hazardous conditions created by Canadian wildfires, two administrators did not speak. However, three students made remarks.

            Valedictorian, Allison Miani ironically gave a speech about fire, its relevance in human lives, and human desires. The speech emphasized how most history was made because of people who followed their personal fire of desire, despite society telling them not to. Miani also challenged the class to light a new spark in their hearts and go fan the spark into a flame as they embrace their futures.

            Salutatorian Kyra Lesko spoke about gratitude, and how it is so important in human lives. She asked classmates to thank their families, friends, and teachers that helped them get to this point. She then challenged the students to "have an attitude of gratitude", and to look back on today and all the memories leading up to this point and smile.

            Class President Isabella Lara discussed its legacy. She asked rhetorically how the members want to be remembered. She reminded the class that nobody is perfect, and that sometimes, things happen. Lara also told the class that some of those things that happen can result in a loss of sight of the path that people take, and sometimes, that can lead to positive change.

            "In loss, there is something always to be gained," Lara said.

            The members overcame multiple hardships to earn their diplomas. A once-in-a century pandemic forced students into quarantine for nearly two years. They took classes on Zoom, competed athletically in empty stadiums and gymnasiums and were forced to give up nearly all extracurricular activities.

            Nature wreaked havoc on their academic careers. Fire, mold remediation, tornadoes and floods forced them to miss school days.

            Superintendent Allyn Roche and high school Principal Rob Carpenter made no comments during the ceremony. However, both forwarded the content of their remarks to the graduates and their families following the event.

            Roche lauded the students' accomplishments, including perseverance and learning how to overcome adversity. He cited their willingness to learn remotely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

            "During this time, you took full advantage of all the opportunities that Upper Perkiomen High School had to offer," Roche wrote. He asked the students to thank their entire support network, including parents, teachers and administrators and wished the students well as they move on to their futures.

            Carpenter listed the class statistics, which included 67 percent of the class pursuing some form of higher education, 49 percent entering a baccalaureate or master's program, and 18 percent of the seniors seeking a two-year or technical degree. He thanked the two percent of seniors entering a career in the military.

            After 13 years of study, the seniors moved their tassels, ceremoniously tossed their caps, and became proud alumni of Upper Perkiomen High School.