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Ninety-seven Northside High School students walked across the stage of the auditorium to receive their diplomas Tuesday night.

This year’s class valedictorian spot went to Emily Box, and the salutatorian spot went to Sarah Rhem. No. 3-ranked Camden Guy and No. 4-ranked Kaitlin Brescia were also recognized.

Principal Charles Clark said this graduating class represented “Panther pride” well and was awarded a total of more than $480,000 in scholarships.

“Each senior has to make their own path and these seniors have a keen sense of direction, and they know where they are going. This is the first class that I have seen all the way from first day of their freshmen year to graduation day, and I am so proud of each and every one of them,” Clark said.

After a presentation of colors by the school’s Air Force JROTC and messages from Brescia, who served as senior class president, and Rhem, Box took the stage to address the audience.

“As we begin a new chapter in our lives, figuring out what we want to do, we often ask ourselves: ‘Who am I supposed to be? What is my purpose?’” Box said. “Heath L. Buckmaster answered this question when he said: ‘Often, it’s not about becoming a new person, but becoming the person you were meant to be, and already are, but don’t know how to be.’”

Clark said he is sure the students will be successful going into their adult lives.

“Whether they are going to college, the military or the workforce, my hope is for them to be as productive and successful as possible and do it with integrity and good character,” he said.

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