By Judith Kristen, AAP Columnist and Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

On a hot and sultry evening in June, Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2018 marched into BB&T Pavilion – and history – as the school’s 56th graduating class. Much has changed since 1962, when the first class received its high school diploma, but the enthusiasm and joy for this very special night remained the same.

It was the first time that the high school’s commencement was held at the BB&T Pavilion; another first: graduation was “streamed” live on Facebook, reaching over 4,400 views!

For every “first” the students experienced, there was also a “last.” June 19 was filled with many beautiful and bittersweet moments.

During the initial formal graduating class procession, students received applause and shouts of joy, as they gathered near the front of the stage. Our national anthem was beautifully sung by Niambi Fetlow, as was the choir’s performance of the Pennsauken High School “Alma Mater.” It was quite evident then the magic of this special evening had quickly taken hold.

Principal Gregory T. Munford, Jr. gave a very powerful and heartfelt “talk” to the seniors he has known well since freshman year.

“It is an honor to be here tonight to celebrate the commencement of Pennsauken High School’s senior class, who I’ve had the distinct pleasure to lead and learn with for all four years of high school,” says Munford. “This is your day; yes, you have completed this leg of your journey. You are an outstanding group of young people who have endured some challenges along the way. Together you have endured, and the achievements have far outnumbered the setbacks,”

During the acceptance of the Class of 2018, Diane Johnson, vice president of the Pennsauken Board of Education, encouraged students to strive for excellence with integrity.

“Do everything to the best of your ability. Be responsible and true to yourself,” says Johnson. “Should you make mistakes as you pursue your goals, let them be your mistakes and not the mistake of following others just to fit in. Be a leader.”

The musical presentations were powerful and uplifting all evening long. Members of the PHS Double Dozen sang, “You Will Be Found,” and the group was being applauded as soon as the last note sounded.

The entire class then applauded Tiana Summer James, as she walked to the dais for the student welcome.

“Today, I stand here and recognize the journey that my classmates and I have undertaken over the last four years,” says James. “This evening, we celebrate reaching this milestone and we also thank everyone who helped us make it this far.”

Tiana then turned the podium over to valedictorian Ronald Estevez, who offered some poetic remarks.

“On this evening made beautiful by our association and shared celebration, the breeze is cool and carries a sense of anticipation, as the world secretly holds its breath, watching the Class of 2018 grow. Grow into strong leaders, dutiful citizens, and perhaps loving parents one day.”

Mariah Gordian, Class of 2018 president, took a moment to express the joy of successfully completing four years of high school.

“We made it! Let’s all take a moment to breathe in the sweet aroma of finally graduating from Pennsauken High School. It’s bittersweet, but dang, does it feel good!”

Peter Huynh, student government president, spoke of the changes – and opportunities – that life after high school brings.

“This not the beginning of a new chapter in our life. This is the beginning of a new book. That first book is already closed, ended and tossed into the seas. This new book is newly opened and just begun. You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Salutatorian Nicole Alfano encouraged her classmates, whom she called some of the most ambitious, talented and brightest to graduate, to keep striving forward.

“As we walk across the stage, shake hands, and get our diplomas, I urge you, my classmates, to not think this is the end of education, growth, and development. As I’m sure you’ve all heard, this is just the beginning.”

Principal Munford once again took the stage for the introduction of the Class of 2018; the awarding of the diplomas followed, conducted by senior advisors, Shelby Varga and David Raudenbush.

After 326 names were called, there was one more student left to be recognized. The last diploma of the evening was presented Quason Turner, a classmate of these graduating students who passed away tragically in March 2016. His family was brought on the stage for this very special presentation.

“We really appreciate y’all,” says Stewart Turner, Quason’s brother. “For this to happen to us, y’all became our family and filled the void that we needed to have filled. We love Pennsauken. We love this class.”

The transfer of the flag made the evening complete, as it passed from Mariah Gordian, Class of 2018 to Jada Gabri-El, President of the Pennsauken Class of 2019.

Soon mortarboard tassels were switched from their left side to the right, and then those 326 red and blue academic caps flew high into the air. It was official!

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, these students went from Pennsauken High School Seniors to the alumni of its 56th graduating class: Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2018!

Congratulations and best of luck in all of your future endeavors, from all of us here in Pennsauken!