370 Austintown Fitch grads receive mixture of messages

AUSTINTOWN — “Finally it is our turn, finally it is our time,” said Micaela Rhodes to those gathered Sunday for commencement at Austintintown Fitch High School in the school gym. The president of the 370-member class of 2008, giving a farewell message, reminded graduates of the past — “the memories we have will live on” and the future — “work your plan and never give up.”

Evidence of how they already have worked is evidenced in the 131 local scholarships totalling $72,000 and $4.7 million in scholarships overall that members of the class have received.

And Lawrence Albright offering a farewell to the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center said he was lucky to have found an interest (automotive) he loved and thanked teachers who helped him realize it.

The school’s 10 valedictorians each offered a parting message to fellow classmates.

Misty Alcorn said the high school years had gone by “faster than I ever expected” but the time was an adventure.

Amanda Becerra acknowledged that high school challenged the young people with fears to conquer but by facing them, it took them “closer to our dreams.” The diplomas, she noted, represent all they “enjoyed and endured” during high school.

Kelli Carney recognized the graduation day as the first day of the rest of their lives. She urged fellow graduates to “find your passion” and “make an impact on the earth.”

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