GAIL WHITE Five graduates share lifelong friendships

High school seniors across the Valley are tossing their caps and clutching diplomas, looking forward to new life experiences.
The joy of having reached this milestone is coupled with the sorrow of friendships that will be left behind.
For five students from Ursuline, the joys and sorrows have been shared since kindergarten.
From St. Christine's to Ursuline High School, Adam, Shaina, Dickie, Dan and Taryn have always been there for one another.
Adam Buzzacco and Shaina Drummond can't remember not knowing each other.
"He's like a brother," Shaina says.
Adam smiles in agreement.
Adam and Richard McCarthy, whom the group affectionately calls "Dickie," remember when their friendship was first sealed.
"We knew each other in kindergarten and first grade," Adam explains. Shortly after those first years, the two had a project on the states.
"I drew the state of New Hampshire for him," Adam says, laughing. Homework has been a common bond between the two ever since.
First meeting
Taryn Rizer and Dan Deckant remember their first encounter.
"We had a dress down day at St. Christine's," Dan recalls. "Taryn drew on my sweatpants. I smacked her."
Taryn giggles mischievously. She has enjoyed years of instigating reactions from Danny.
These graduates are too young to completely understand the impact their wonderful friendships will have on them in years to come, yet they are old enough to know that what they share is very special.
They know each other intimately -- though not in an intimate way.
"Have any of you ever dated?" I ask innocently.
The five burst out in laughter. All respond, "No!" in unison.
"That would be too weird," one says.
"Like dating my sister," another adds.
Their friendships are based on love and respect.
Friendly competition
Adam and Dickie have competed for years.
Dickie competed in the National Spelling Bee. Adam went to the State Geography Bee. Each had to beat the other one out for the honor.
"I plan to be president of the United States," says Dan, who is headed for Case Western Reserve University in the fall.
"He has said that for as long as I have known him," responds Shaina.
"He won't be president," Adam smiles at his dear friend. "But he'll be a very successful corporate attorney."
Adam, attending Loyola University in Chicago this fall, would like to be a senator.
"I think he'll be the next Bill O'Reilly." says Dan.
"Or the secretary of state," Taryn adds.
Dreams
Shaina hopes to become a forensic scientist at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
"She's a pistol," Taryn describes her friend.
"Football players were afraid of her," Adam says. Then, looking at his friend, Shaina, "I'm not afraid of you."
Dan and Taryn will attend Youngstown State University.
"He's going to be an executive buyer," Taryn shares with great confidence in her friend.
"Taryn must deal with people," Shaina says.
"She has a gift for working with older people," Adam adds.
Both characteristics will be perfect for a career in geriatric and psychiatric social Work.
As these friends think about what lies ahead, Shaina tears up.
"I'm nervous," she shares, looking at Adam. "He's always been right there."
"We take it for granted that we will stay in touch," Dickie says firmly.
This group of friends will most definitely stay in touch.
But as the years go by and their lives move on, these special friendships that they now take for granted will become friendships that they treasure.
gwhite@vindy.com