South Range graduates share fondest memories

By Sean Barron

NORTH LIMA — High school memories for Jared Jennings Ausnehmer are many, but perhaps the ones that will bounce around in his mind the longest are his two years on the Mahoning County Warriors Special Olympics basketball team.

During that time, the South Range High School student played point guard, was voted most valuable player last year and helped take the team to state competitions twice, where the Warriors came in second and fourth place, respectively.

During football season, he also was voted Most Spirited, having dressed as a Raider, the school mascot, to get fans pumped up to support the home team.

Jared chalked up his latest accomplishment Saturday when his hands contained not a basketball, but a diploma. He was among the 104 members of the school’s Class of 2009 to receive them during Saturday’s 40th annual baccalaureate and commencement ceremony in the gym.

“I feel happy, and happy for everyone,” Jared said after the hour-long program.

His plans include enrolling in a one-year job training course in August at Youngstown State University, but beforehand, it will be time for friends and relaxation, he said.

Among the memories Lacey N. Higginbotham will likely carry with her include several incomplete trips, thanks to a pattern of going on what proved to be unreliable charter buses.

“Every time we would go somewhere, the bus would break down,” Lacey recalled with humor. “We had to turn around, cram everyone in, and come back here.”

Plans to head for Cedar Point during her senior year, for example, were thwarted for that reason, recalled Lacey, who plans to attend the Casal Aveda Institute in Austintown in November to study cosmetology.

Meanwhile, working and trying to move to be on her own are on the menu for the summer, Lacey added.

Delivering the baccalaureate address was the Rev. Mindy Lacefield, pastor of Mount Olivet United Church of Christ in North Lima.

Receiving diplomas is an important plateau, but not the top one, she told the students, imploring them to use their multi-tasking and other talents, but also take time for enjoyment.

It’s fine to excel in and stay connected via technology, for example, but the things that will probably make life the most memorable and meaningful include being with family and friends, having a relationship with God and believing in themselves, the Rev. Ms. Lacefield told the students and a packed room.

“You’re all worth celebrating; you’re all unique,” Ms. Lacefield said.

Whatever the future entails, the graduates will face ups and downs, but need to know they’re loved and valued. It’s also important to apologize when wrong and be happy with who they are, Ms. Lacefield concluded.

Speakers also included valedictorians Alex Baker, Jonathan Culler and Alyssa Gwirtz, who praised their parents, teachers, advisers, coaches and fellow classmates for helping them succeed. It’s also important to not forget their community, they said.

Additional remarks were from Superintendent Dennis J. Dunham. Musical performances were from the high school band.

South Rang Class of 2009

Number of graduates: 104

National Honor Society members: 35

Mascot: Raiders.

Class song: “Don’t Stop Believing” - Journey.

Motto: Hakuna Matata (There are no worries).

Class colors: Navy blue and silver.

Flower: Sunflower.