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Alumnus tells Lowellville class to ‘help others
A valedictorian advised graduates to remember ‘what we have been given.’
LOWELLVILLE — Help others succeed, a 1976 graduate of Lowellville High School told this year’s graduates.
“I’m convinced the best way to be successful is to help others succeed,” commencement speaker and business owner William Graban told the 54 graduating seniors and their families Sunday.
After graduating high school, Graban completed his education at West Virginia University, graduating in 1980.
“There wasn’t much happening in 1980, with a recession much as it is now,” he said. “I just wanted to get a job.”
He got in his car and drove until he found one, ending up in North Carolina. He eventually opened his own business selling hardwood lumber all over the world.
“We help [customers] succeed, and as a result, we succeed,” Graban said.
His best strategy, he shared, is to learn from other people’s mistakes.
“If you do make mistakes,” he said, “Brush yourself off, get back up, and try again.”
A lot has happened in his life since high-school graduation, Graban acknowledged.
“But I really still appreciate my Lowellville experience.”
Hannah Zimmerman, class president, reminded her classmates about their shared experiences, including a third-grade trip to the dentist, recess in the parking lot of the old school building and field days.
“But we don’t come away with just those memories,” she said. “We come away with so much more.”
The small school district allowed for one-on-one attention, Zimmerman noted, as well as a community that supported them.
“As we walk through those doors for the last time ... remember where we came from and what we have been given,” she said.
Every nation faces challenges, and ours is no different, noted Anthony Schiraldi, valedictorian.
“In the future, we’ll be faced with challenges. It’s how we choose to respond to those challenges that can make the difference, and that makes us who we are,” he said.
Joseph Alfano and Scott Partika also were valedictorians.
For Jamie Naples, the day was bittersweet.
“I don’t know what to think of it right now,” she admitted.
She will miss her friends and classes, Naples said. She plans to attend Youngstown State University to study social work.
Kim Arendas will study chemistry at YSU. She said she felt as though graduation would never come.
“I can’t believe we finally did it,” she said. “I’m going to miss band and dance line. That was about my favorite part of school.”
Arendas is considering a career in pharmaceuticals.
“I’m very excited about college. I can’t wait,” she said.
Graduation 2009 Lowellville
Graduates: 54
School colors: Blue and gold
School sports nickname: The Rockets
Class motto: “So many roads we have crossed, so many hills we have climbed, so many dreams yet to conquer.”