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Ursuline class advised to hold on to love, truth
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN
Though Alex Myers’ main goals — studying pre-physical therapy and enlisting in the Navy — are different, they are bound by his desire to give to others.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries, so I want to help others with injuries,” Myers said, adding that he wants to join the Navy after college to serve his country.
Saturday, however, Myers was on the receiving end, because he and 94 fellow Ursuline High School graduates received diplomas during the Catholic school’s Class of 2011 commencement ceremony at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Besides a diploma, Myers will take home countless fond high-school memories, including last fall’s soccer game against archrival Cardinal Mooney.
Even though Ursuline lost 4-1, other things mattered more to Myers, he said.
“We lost, but I was happy to be with my teammates,” he added. “We gave [Mooney] a good run.”
Myers said he plans to spend the summer with friends and family while working his part-time jobs at a Dollar General store as well as Davidson’s Restaurant in Cornersburg. Afterward, it’s on to Ohio University in Athens, he said.
Soon it will be on to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, for Kathryn Scudier, who plans to study studio art.
“It’s bittersweet,” Scudier said of Saturday’s ceremony. “On one hand, it’s the last time I’ll see my class in one big group, but I’m excited for summer and college.”
Scudier, who hopes to work for a nonprofit agency and possibly join the Peace Corps, said one of her fondest school memories likely will be when she and other top students invited her ninth-grade literature teacher to dinner last month at the Springfield Grille in Boardman. The English literature class helped Scudier feel more comfortable adjusting to her freshman year, she recalled.
Delivering the commencement address was James Venglarik of Philadelphia, a 1967 Ursuline graduate.
Whatever their choices in life, the students should hold onto love and truth, said Venglarik, general manager of Bleum Inc., an information-technology company.
“Each night your head hits the pillow, you should ask, ‘How much did I love today?’” he said, while encouraging the graduates to stay true to themselves as they make new friends and decisions.
In addition, Venglarik said, it’s important for the students to get closer to God and always consider how their actions affect others.
Also speaking at Ursuline’s 103rd commencement were Principal Patricia Fleming and Matthew Sammartino, assistant principal.
The program featured green-and-gold honor cords being awarded to the top 15 percent of the class to recognize those students’ academic achievements and performances.