EPHRATA — Maybe it was their elaborate entrances. Or perhaps it was the occasional backflip while walking to pick up a diploma. Maybe it was even the camaraderie that was on display between Ephrata High School’s graduating class of 2018. There are variety of words that can be summoned to describe this year’s graduating class, but boring and uninspired don’t fit the bill.

“This fun, energetic and caring group quickly had me realizing that I love teaching,” faculty speaker Sam Byam, who started at EHS when the class of 2018 were still freshmen, remarked during her speech.

A common theme of accomplishment and legacy seemed to pop up every now and then during Friday night’s graduation ceremony at Kiwanis Football Field. From academic accomplishments, to athletic ones, the class of 2018 achieved a lot in their four short years at EHS.

“The class of 2018 will have a legacy without a doubt. From our monstrously successful performing arts, to our athletic performances that have exceeded many expectations,” said student speaker Ethan Etter. “Our school spirit has been spectacular over the last four years. We have supported our athletics and activities (to) grow bigger in our time and it has brought so many of us together as a result of our efforts.”

That togetherness was exemplified during Friday night’s graduation. The almost 200 seniors who turned their tassels Friday night presented a unified front to the large crowd. The class of 2018 was fully aware that outside of future class reunions, Friday night was more than likely the last time they would all be together and the post high school world awaits.

Byam was quick to point out to the seniors the post high school world is a place of untapped potential. The world is also a tough and unforgiving place and Byam encouraged the grads to remain tough even in the wake of failure.

“You will fail, many, many times over if you are lucky and that is amazing. Failure is simply put the best indicator that you are trying. That you are reaching for something unknown or outside of your comfort zone. Failure is, in my very humble opinion, the absolute best foundation for success.

“To fail is to be human. But to fail and then learn from your mistakes, making the appropriate changes, to fail and remain humble and persistent in your dreams and to fail and then let those failures mold you into a stronger, more resilient and more empathetic member of society – that is to be an exceptional human.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.