Boardman Class of 2009 destined for greatness

Boardman Class of 2009

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6.7.2009 Boardman's Commencement ceremony at Boardman High School on Sunday afternoon. Geoffrey Hauschild

The 397 graduating seniors of Boardman High School are just beginning the stories of their adult lives, but Alexander Lipinsky already knows how it will end.

“As I look out at all of you, I believe you are destined for greatness,” Lipinsky said to the school’s 91st graduating class Sunday.

The senior class president was among the graduates who received their diplomas in the high school gym. An overflow crowd watched the ceremony on a screen in the Boardman Performing Arts Center.

Lipinsky, who intends to study engineering at Brown University, said he received motivation for his high school track and field career from the song “All the Above” by Maino. One line says, “Take a look and you can tell that I’m destined for greatness.”

The song worked for Lipinsky, who finished 15th in the shot put at this year’s state track meet, but he said it can apply to all of the graduates.

He advised his fellow graduates not to be afraid of failure as they head toward greatness. He quoted Jim Tressel, Ohio State University football coach, as saying the lessons he learns from losses have helped him lead his team to more victories.