Canfield principal calls 250 grads 'best darn kids in Ohio'

CANFIELD — Two by two — boys in black, girls in red — the Canfield High School graduating class of 2007 filed onto the school’s football field for the last time as a group Sunday afternoon, to say goodbye and hello.

“We’re saying farewell to a school and a community,” said class president Justin Bonanno. “But we’re saying hello to the world.”

Under a sunny blue sky, and with the bright green turf of the football field as their backdrop, the young men and women heard speeches that quoted people including famed children’s author Dr. Seuss, comedian Larry the Cable Guy, and author and humorist Mark Twain.

Dr. Abby H. Barone, high school principal, said the class has the distinction of being the first to secure a state championship in baseball. She said many among the nearly 250 graduates had been honored for their academic achievements, and that 10 pupils had attained Eagle Scout status in the Boy Scouts during their high school careers.

“They are the best darn kids in the entire state of Ohio,” Barone said.