In a gymnasium decked out in green and gold, Brady Morgan, Ashland, the salutatorian of the Nativity BVM High School Class of 2014, introduced some red and white.
"We have become who we are today because of Nativity, and with that I leave you with a quote from a famous author," Morgan, 18, said at commencement Friday, as he donned a replica of the signature top hat worn by The Cat in the Hat, one of the many colorful characters developed by Theodor Seuss Geisel.
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go," Morgan said, quoting from the Dr. Seuss book "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"
The 48 graduates of the Nativity BVM Class of 2014 turned their tassels Friday night in a ceremony attended by more than 300. The diverse directions they're choosing will take some of them far distances and along difficult career paths.
"I want to go to medical school. Right now, I'm just looking to learn general surgery," Morgan said.
He's planning to study pre-med at Elizabethtown College. He's the son of Philip and Theresa Morgan. He has a sister, Cheyanne, 13.
The valedictorian, Madeline Domalakes, 17, of Frackville, plans to study history and politics at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich.
"I'd like to be a museum curator. But I also like analyzing people and the past and seeing how it relates to the future, so I might become an intelligence analyst or maybe someone who works for Homeland Security or the CIA," Domalakes said.
She is the daughter of Paul G. and Patricia Domalakes. Her family includes two sisters, Meredith, 26, and Ann, 23, and a brother, Paul Luke, 22.
"As you move on to the next period of your lives, I hope you take with you the lessons that have been taught to you from your time spent at Nativity. They may be lessons learned the hard way, or sage advice from a seasoned faculty member, but in any case let them guide you to a better vision of yourself. Strive for excellence in all aspects of your life but never be afraid to make mistakes. Without mistakes, we would never grow," Domalakes said in her valedictory.
Kristopher Lee Maurer, 18, of Schuylkill Haven, said he plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
"I knew I wanted to serve my country. I also knew I wanted to serve in a leadership capacity and I chose the naval service. I'd like to be a part of something bigger than myself and help contribute to the well being of the world. I'll study at the academy for four years. Once I graduate, I'll be commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy for a five-year service commitment. This will be my career," Maurer said.
He is the son of Anthony and Kristi Maurer. His family includes a sister, Emma Jane, 20.
The Most Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, was the guest speaker. He punctuated his speech with a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
"This is what he said to his son near the end of his life. He said, 'Dear Son, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth, the body and blood of Jesus Christ. There you will find true romance, true honor, true glory and the true ways of all your loves upon earth,' " Barres said.
Also at the ceremony, the school honored Megan J. Brennan, Class of 1980, as a distinguished alumna. In December 2010, Brennan was named chief operating officer and executive vice president of the U.S. Postal Service.