Harding's class of 2011 toss their tassels tonight

WARREN

Amber Russell may have captured the spirit of Warren G. Harding High’s Class of 2011.

“I’ll miss high school, but I’m on to conquer the rest of the world,” said the 18-year old graduate as she raised her arms in triumph.

Russell, who plans to study mechanical engineering at Youngstown State University, was one of 281 seniors awarded diplomas in a commencement program that filled the high school gymnasium to capacity Tuesday evening.

“I’ll miss it too, but I’m happy to get out of here,” said a smiling Jaylon Johnson, 17, who will also be attending YSU to study business management.

The graduating seniors, girls in gold gowns and the boys in black, responded enthusiastically as interim Superintendent Loree Richardson praised their scholastic performance.

“You persevered and you made it to this point — what an accomplishment,” Richardson said. “Now what you do with your life and your special talents is up to you.”

For details of their ceremony, read Wednesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.