Diversity defines Niles McKinley’s 180-member graduating class

Niles McKinley 2009 Commencement

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Niles McKinley 2009 commencement

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BY JORDAN COHEN

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NILES—For 180 graduating seniors of Niles McKinley High school, emotions and opinions about their commencement Sunday were as diverse as the senior class.

“It’s a dream of mine, and it means a lot to succeed,” said Christopher Lee, and Alexia Weddell, sitting next to him, called it “a symbol of all our accomplishments.” The two are class valedictorians with Lee heading to the University of Akron and Weddell planning to attend Capital University in Columbus.

Other members of the Class of 2009 looked at it quite differently.

“I’m finally done with school,” exalted Amber Smith, who has set her sights on medical laboratory work. “It’s the best day of my life,” said Brittany Slanina, who will attend Youngstown State University to study early childhood education.

For Keith Rohland, commencement was nothing more than an imposition.

“I could have been working on my landscaping job, but I’m here instead of staying out and making money,” said Rohland, who hopes to become an electrician.

Their graduation ceremony, the 133rd in the history of Niles McKinley, was conducted in the gymnasium crowded with families and friends who filled all seats or stood in two-deep rows. A number of previous commencements have been held at Bo Rein Stadium, but Superintendent Rocco Adduci said costs dictated otherwise.

“We saved $4,000 by holding it (in the gymnasium),” Adduci said.

As is customary with commencement, speakers offered advice to the graduates.

“Respect and responsibility are two powerful words that will get you a long way,” said Michael Notar, high school principal.

“Commit yourself to the service of others,” Adduci said. “Do not just make a dollar—make a destiny.”

According to senior guidance counselor Loren Gargano, students in this year’s graduating class earned $975,000 in scholarships and 58 percent are headed to colleges or other higher learning institutions.

Five graduates are enlisting in the military. When they were asked to stand, the audience loudly applauded.