Dr. Seuss plays role in graduation for 400 Austintown seniors

Nineteen Austintown Fitch High School Class of 2007 valedictorians had a tag line for each of their vignettes: “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

Here’s an excerpt from the Dr. Seuss’ book, often given as a graduation present, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go:”

“Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

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 guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care.

About some you will say, ‘I don't choose to go there.’

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.”

The valedictorians’ short speeches, a few said through tears, included thanks to those who helped them along the way and words of encouragement and each ended with “Oh! The places you’ll go!”

Sunday afternoon, Fitch graduated 400 seniors, girls in red, boys in blue, in the high school gym. The bleachers were filled to capacity with family and friends. Huge industrial strength fans positioned by the gym doors helped with the heat.

Before ceremony, Angela Moser and Patrick Stuhldreher, on their way to don their caps and gowns, said they were excited to be graduating. Angela is headed to Kent State University, and Patrick will study auto mechanics at a technical school in Trumbull County.

Both said they’ll miss seeing their friends every day.

“We’ll keep in touch, for sure,” Angela said of her classmates.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com