NORTHAMPTON — One hundred thirty-eight smiling faces embarked on a new chapter in life Thursday evening, earning their diplomas at the Smith Vocational and Agricultural School graduation.

As the familiar chords of “Pomp and Circumstance” blared from the public-address system, the graduates marched onto the football field behind the school to take their seats. But before the celebrations officially began, Superintendent Andrew Linkenhoker ground the evening in a poignant moment of silence for the late student Joshua Mizula-Samson, a classmate killed in a motor vehicle crash last summer.

Turning from remembrance to the future, Linkenhoker delivered his welcoming remarks, paving the way for salutatorian Lauren Elisabeth Brooks to approach the podium. Brooks spoke directly to the unique advantages of a vocational education, highlighting the power of hands-on experience before charging her peers to remain adaptable lifelong learners.

“Each of us came from different shops, different interests and different paths. We learned to balance academics with hands-on work. We learned not just from books, but from experience. We made mistakes, adjusted and tried again. That’s the kind of learning that stays with you,” she said. “What matters is that we keep moving forward. That we stay willing to learn, adapt and take on new challenges, even when we’re uncomfortable.”

Following remarks from the Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Richard Aquardo and Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, the graduates heard last from Linkenholer before they received their diplomas. Reflecting on his own graduation 30 years ago, Linkenhoker asked the crowd, by a show of hands, who remembered 9/11. When almost no graduates, and only some audience members, raised their hands, he used the moment to discuss the importance of perspective and living life for the betterment of mankind.

Linkenhoker went on to describe the ways in which the Artemis II astronaut mission in April — similar to historic missions of the past — brought humanity a new, more unifying perspective on the world.

“9/11 occurred 25 years ago, more than a lifetime for our graduates, but it seems like yesterday for many of us — it’s called perspective,” he remarked. “What amazes me the most about space flight is listening to the astronauts describe their observations. The term ‘Overview Effect’ was first coined by Frank White … Many astronauts sense a greater level of appreciation and perception of beauty, unexpected and even overwhelming emotion, and an increased sense of connection to other people and the Earth as a whole.”

After reading the accounts of various astronauts who had seen their planet from afar, Linkenhoker explained that the feeling of interconnection when observing humanity from space should be kept in mind even on Earth.

“Those experiences shifted the astronauts’ perspectives on humankind and the fragility of Earth. No longer is it about boundaries on a map or the differences between us. It is about coming together, working together and realizing we are more alike than different,” he said. “Remember your time here at SVAHS … Remember those around you and cherish those memories and experiences. We have more in common with each other than we care to accept. We are all in this together, so let’s work together and build a bright future not only for those around us, but for future generations.”

Friends and families of the graduates were heard yelling in excitement, some popping confetti blasters and lining up to take photos of their loved ones as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.

After all of the students received their diplomas, they heard last from their valedictorian, Emma O’Sullivan, who graduated from the school’s Public Safety program with a 3.99 grade-point average and was awarded the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship.

O’Sullivan thanked her friends, family, teachers, classmates and boyfriend for their support before wishing her fellow graduates well, remarking that the “future is ours,” and encouraging them to embrace the ups and downs that life throws their way post-graduation.

“‘Everyone needs a little rain in their life’ is something someone once told me, and I’m quoting it tonight, because it really relates to all our lives. We’ve all faced rain in our lives through these hard experiences in high school, but they only add shape to who we are becoming. Remember that all stages in life are temporary, and whether you’re going through a great time or a struggle, the seasons will change, and you will too,” O’Sullivan said. “I hope everyone here tonight knows I mean these words, and I hope for the best future for you all … It is my hope that after tonight and moving forward, each one of you pursues something you want to do, and uses this chance to live to your fullest again.”