Northeastern graduate Megan Pierre wore her Princess Grad glasses to commencement ceremonies Tuesday. She said the glasses reflect the theme of her graduation party this Saturday. She was one of the three students chosen to deliver a commencement speech. (Bill Kalina photo)

With weather similar to that of a fall football game, the Northeastern Class of 2012 gathered at the stadium one last time.

The class motto, an Ayn Rand quote, "The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity" was the central theme of the evening. Student speaker Lesley Moore reminded her classmates of their elementary years and how far they have come. She compared their journey to the game Chutes and Ladders.

"It's all a continuous climb up the ladder," said Moore, "Don't underestimate the opportunities you are presented. Jump over the chutes and keep climbing." Valedictorian Julia Zielinski quoted Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu, who said, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." She encouraged her classmates to step up onto the next rung of the ladder, to climb slowly, to comprehend deeply and to enjoy thoroughly.

"Enjoy life, never give up and be thankful for your blessing," said Zielinski.

Superintendent Jody Nace shared several lessons with the students about what she wished someone had shared with her on her high school graduation. She told the students to build relationships with "people who make you better" and warned them that social media can never replace human contact.

Nace encouraged them to be kind, to put family first and to spend and save their money wisely. She told them to give back, to remember to not take themselves too seriously and to find their passion.

"Everyone is a bundle of gifts and talents," said Nace, "You have the potential to do great things. You are the only one who can fulfill your passion."

Northeastern Class of 2012

Number of graduates: 231

Graduation ceremony held: June 5, 2012

Valedictorian: Julia Zielinski

Salutatorian: Christina Boyd

Other speakers: Melissa Bream, assistant principal, Margie Walker, board president, student speakers Lesley Moore, Obria Shaw, Megan Pierre, Principal Mathew Gay, and superintendent Jody Nace.

- Reach Wendy L. Garman at 854-1575 or news@yorkdispatch.com.