Paths of Poland graduates vary

RELATED STORY: Retiring teacher gets sweet send-off

2010 Poland Commencement

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By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

POLAND

Even though Ariel Holovatyk’s early years were fraught with auditory problems, including profound hearing loss at age 3, she has never used such challenges and resulting speech delays as excuses not to excel.

Her tenacity has paid off in many ways, including helping her earn a 4.0 grade-point average and a high-school diploma.

She was one of 219 graduates who were handed diplomas during Poland Seminary High School’s Class of 2010 commencement Sunday in the school’s field house on Dobbins Road.

Holovatyk, who wears in implant in one ear, said the device helps her hear and regulate her voice inflections.

Another achievement of Holovatyk’s was having taken college courses during her junior and senior years, so she will likely be well prepared to enroll this fall at The Ohio State University to pursue what she hopes will be a medical career.

Her major is undecided, though Holovatyk was accepted into a highly competitive biological-science scholars program at OSU, she said.

Holovatyk said she’s unsure if she will return to the Mahoning Valley after graduating from OSU.

“I want to go somewhere where there’s a high demand for my job,” she added.

A large, close-knit family, as well as wanting to find work in the Valley with special-needs children, will likely keep Katarina Meris in the area, the Poland High graduate said after the 90-minute program.

“I just want to help people,” Meris said of her desire to attend Kent State University starting in September to study to be an intervention specialist.

Meris said that her fondest school memories will probably consist of fun times spent with numerous friends. Nevertheless, “I’m so happy to be done and to start a new chapter in my life,” she added.

“It was a heck of a ride, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

The keynote speaker was Paul J. McFadden, chief development officer with Youngstown State University and a former NFL placekicker.

McFadden, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons in the 1980s, told the story of a U.S. serviceman who was shot down and imprisoned for six years during the Vietnam War. He used the serviceman’s tragedy and later successes as a metaphor to demonstrate that the students cam triumph over enormous odds.

Becoming graduates will be one of many brief experiences that will have a great impact and always be remembered, McFadden told his audience.

“Enjoy this fleeting moment in your life,” he added.

Preceding McFadden’s address was valedictorian Marissa Mediati, who read inspiring passages from the Dr. Seuss book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

Giving additional remarks were Principal Vincent P. Procopio and Superintendent Dr. Robert L. Zorn.

The ceremony featured a surprise when Barbara Stacy, a 30-year Poland teacher who retired this year, was honored for her accomplishments.

The nine-member Senior Seminary Singers gave their rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and the school band performed.