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A Rosy Graduation
By SEAN BARRON
news@vindy.com
COLUMBIANA
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Little did friends Ruth Williamson, left, and Laurie Coy, right, know that, when they had their children at the same time in 1992, the two girls would grow up to be co-valedictorians at Columbiana High School. Jennifer Williamson, second from left, and Irene Sherrell Coy, second from right, both addressed their classmates Sunday.
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Lauren Houck walks across the stage to get a red rose after being handed her diploma during Columbiana High School's graduation program at Harvey S. FIrestone Park on Sunday. The seniors were later asked to present their flowers to a loved one in the audience who the felt helped them the most to succeed. A total of 66 students received their diplomas.
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Columbiana High School graduate Michael McMaster gets a big hug from his mother, Carrie McMaster, after he presented her with a flower during commencement exercises Sunday in Harvey S. Firestone Park. High school graduations move into full swing over the next two weeks.
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The graduates of Columbiana High School show their excitement at completing their senior year as they toss their caps into the air during commencement exercises Sunday at Firestone Park. Mother Nature provided a beautiful warm, sunny day for the event. This year's senior class had 66 members. As part of the ceremony, students presented red roses to the person who most helped them succeed.
When Ruth Williamson was giving birth to twins March 1, 1992, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, little did she know that one of her best friends, Laurie Coy, was in the room next door delivering her daughter.
The two young mothers also couldn’t have fathomed the series of successes that would follow for their children, the latest of which occurred when all three walked across an outdoor stage Sunday to receive their diplomas - and plenty of hugs and accolades.
The story doesn’t end there, however.
The two women had met at Youngstown State University, but saw little of each other since having their children. Nevertheless, they were together Sunday sharing tremendous pride as they listened to recollections and words of encouragement their daughters, Jennifer L. Williamson and Irene S. Coy, delivered to their fellow students during Sunday’s Columbiana High School Class of 2010 commencement ceremony.
Both were also the graduating class’s valedictorians.
Williamson and Coy, along with Williamson’s twin brother, Jay L Williamson II, were three of the 66 graduates who took home diplomas after the 90-minute program at Harvey S. Firestone Park on East Park Avenue.
“Laurie and I met at YSU and both of our daughters are going to YSU,” Ruth Williamson said after the ceremony.
Coy said her educational goals include studying biology and animal science. Williamson’s academic ambitions are to major in chemistry, then perhaps transfer to Ohio State University and spend four years studying to be a pharmacist, she noted.
“I just want to relax and get ready to go to college. I’m excited and ready to move on and see what happens from here,” Coy said of her summer plans, adding that her fondest high school memories include playing four years’ of basketball and spending time with teammates.
Williamson’s summer plans look like they will be a mix of relaxation and work. She intends to take an introductory chemistry class at YSU, but also see friends as much as possible, she added.
“The teachers are really cool and laid back,” Williamson said, referring to some of her favorite school memories. “I [also] became friends with a lot of new people this year.”
In addition to the diplomas, each student was given a red rose. In a surprise move, the graduates were asked to enter the audience and give the flowers to the person they felt helped them the most to succeed.
The event featured musical performances by the concert band and choir, including an a cappella version of “Africa,” a popular hit by the 1980s rock group Toto.
The ceremony also included remarks by Principal David M. Cappuzzello as well as Kelli E. Bryan and Elizabeth A. Wise, senior class president and student government president, respectively.