On Friday, June 8, the Upper Perkiomen School District held its 2018 high school graduation. The 231 graduating seniors walked across the stage during a 7 p.m. ceremony in the Upper Perkiomen High School gymnasium.

As part of his remarks, high school principal Dr. Rob Carpenter introduced the graduating class to the audience. Of the 231 graduates, 106 are enrolled in a four, five or six year baccalaureate or master’s degree program, 45 are enrolled in a two year associate’s degree or technical program, 38 will be entering the workforce and nine will be entering military service.

He also shared that the Class of 2018 included 56 students who attended Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center, and nine of those students received 10 awards at the WMCTC senior ceremonies.

Additionally, 54 UPHS students received 56 local awards at the Senior Awards ceremony, with the amount of award money totaling $55,860. The Class of 2018 received $571,515 in college and private scholarships as of the graduation ceremony.

In her address to the class, Dr. Alexis McGloin, UPSD Superintendent of Schools, talked about how much the world has changed of the course of the Class of 2018’s high school career. While she noted that the world is facing challenging problems, she also outlined the reasons she feels the Class of 2018 is ready to take on those problems, including several examples of self-advocacy, engagement and thoughtfulness on national and global current events and creating change.

“When I think of the generation we are creating, at times I get nervous that we, as parents and teachers, have instilled in you a sense of dependence—and maybe even protected you too much,” McGloin said. “But then, when I look at you, the students before me, I am confident that when you are in a position to lead our world, we are going to be better for it.”

Valedictorian Natasha Carpenter and Salutatorian Hope Flack also addressed the class in a tag-team style speech. In it, they reflected on the many stages of their Upper Perk education. They also reminded their peers that some things never change, citing a list of [at times humorous] “rules” from kindergarten, and how they are still applicable.

“Although this is a moment that represents growing up, maturing and becoming an adult, I want to encourage you to be like a child in the way that you look at the world,” said Flack. “Look at the world in wonder, in fascination and in curiosity.”

Added student speaker Cici Montalvo, “Every one of us has the ability to make an impact somewhere, someplace, at some time in this world. None of us really know what we’re fully capable of yet...how capable we are of making a much, much larger change.”

Other highlights of UPHS’ 2018 graduation included music by the UPHS band and the UPHS Uptones, as well as a group rendition of the alma mater. Others in attendance included members of the UPSD Board of School Directors and administration, as well as the family and friends of the graduates.

Check out images from the 2018 graduation ceremony here.