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YEC grads aim high
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Twin brothers James A. Davis III, left, and Justin A. Davis, right, both 18, brush off confetti and silly string during a celebration onstage for their graduation of Youngstown Early College. The Class of 2009 Commencement was held at DeYor Center, Wednesday May 20, 2009.
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN — After donning cap and gown and coming home one diploma richer, Allan Irizarry-Graves plans to enjoy a bit of down time.
But don’t think the Youngstown Early College graduate plans to be idle: It soon will be time to throw himself into a job search.
“I plan to rest up a bit, and then back to work,” said Allan, who was one of 32 YEC graduates to receive diplomas during Wednesday’s commencement ceremony at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St.
Attending Youngstown State University to major in criminal justice lies ahead, as does a career in the FBI, said Allan, who’s also vice president of YEC’s Class of 2009. A long-term goal of Allan’s is to go to the University of Cincinnati and receive his master’s degree in that field, he continued.
Keeping their father’s demolition business intact and thriving are in the works for James A. Davis III and his brother, Justin, both of whom were among those to cross the stage and emerge with diplomas in hand.
Initially, being part of YEC was “a little shaky,” but the experience primed him for college, Justin said, adding that he hopes to major in business management, with a minor in mechanical engineering.
“I took my fall, now I’m ready for life,” Justin added.
Things didn’t begin at YEC according to plan for James, either. Nevertheless, he praised Marcia Haire-Ellis and Monica Jones, YEC counselor and academic adviser, respectively, for helping him stay on track.
Ultimately, being an early college student “helped me feel better about myself,” James said, adding that he hopes to go into business management and dentistry.
YEC is a collaboration between YSU and the Youngstown City Schools, and those selected have met requirements set by the state Department of Education as well as YSU and the city schools, noted Michele Dotson, dean of YEC.
Beginning in ninth grade, students take a leadership course and learn study, cooperation and conflict-mediation skills. Many complete their high school requirements by 10th grade, allowing them time to take college courses toward earning an associate degree. That allows some to enter YSU as sophomores, Dotson explained.
The early college also offers intervention, tutors and mentors, she noted, adding that all 32 graduates will receive some financial assistance from YSU.
Wednesday night’s hour-long ceremony featured as speakers Dr. Wendy Webb, Youngstown City Schools superintendent; Charles Singler, YSU associate provost; Dr. Philip Ginnetti, dean of the Beeghly College of Education; and Richard Atkinson, a Youngstown Board of Education member.
Regardless of the past, it’s imperative to realize that life is about making sound choices, even if some people won’t agree with your core values, Webb told YEC’s second graduating class.
Receiving their diplomas also will help turn around “a negative culture” in the city schools, she continued.
Singler, who filled in for YSU President David C. Sweet, praised the graduates for setting a positive standard for future students, and urged them to thank those who helped them achieve success.
Sweet was unable to attend because of another commitment, Singler said.
Ginnetti implored the youngsters to use their gifts to change the world for the better, telling them that success is never guaranteed, but failure is all but certain if you think people owe you something, step on others’ toes in a quest to achieve financial success, fail to stop corruption and abuse and neglect trying to right wrongs.
“You’ve been given a solid foundation, so bask in the glory,” he concluded.
Student reflections were given by Victor Cardarelli, class salutatorian, and Derrick High II, valedictorian.
The audience of several hundred parents, relatives and friends also was treated to three students’ a cappella version of “I Believe I Can Fly,” by the R&B singer R. Kelly.