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Embracing it
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Graduate Sara Posey receives her diploma from her mother, Lori Posey, treasurer for the Columbiana Board of Education, during the commencement ceremony.
By Sean Barron
COLUMBIANA
During a recent shopping trip with her mother, Sandeep Kaur began to cry because an imminent life-changing reality suddenly hit her.
Soon, however, she felt better, courtesy of a hug from her mother and an assurance that everything would work out.
That’s just one of countless times, Kaur said, that her parents have been there for her. The most recent was seeing their daughter take home her diploma during Sunday’s Columbiana High School Class of 2012 commencement at Harvey S. Firestone Park.
“I thank my parents for their faith in me that I’d make it,” Kaur said, fighting back tears. “They gave me 100 percent support, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
“It’s because of them that I stand where I am today.”
Shortly after the ceremony, Kaur was standing close to the stage she and 79 other class members had crossed to receive diplomas.
Kaur said she’s also thankful for the many sacrifices her father, Chanchal Thind, and mother, Bakhsho, made on her behalf.
Her next big change will be enrolling at Ohio State University this fall. Though her major is undecided, Kaur hopes to enter the medical field and will spend part of this summer in a volunteer program at Salem Community Hospital to get a better sense of what the field entails, she explained.
Kaur, who plans to take part in a similar program at OSU, praised her fellow classmates for their hard work and perseverance.
Hard work and persistence also played major roles in Kailee P. Engel’s school life — even when she and a few others found themselves one day going through their school’s trash bins.
“Me and two friends went ‘Dumpster diving’ to find a friend’s ring” that the friend’s boyfriend had given her but was misplaced, Engel recalled with laughter.
No one got into trouble, and the humorous escapade came to a happy ending when a child found the ring and returned the item to its rightful owner, she said.
On a more serious note, Engel, who plans to attend Youngstown State University to major in music education, expressed gratitude toward her music teacher, Tim Bennett, who she said offered tremendous encouragement and made a positive difference in her life and decision to be a band or choir teacher.
Bennett was the school’s longtime choir and band director.
Before immersing herself in college life, though, Engel, who plays the alto saxophone and flute, plans to continue her job at an area pizza restaurant and attend summer music camps in Columbus, she added.
Working part time this summer in a local eatery is on the menu for Shilah D. Briceland, who also teaches karate classes and hopes to become a professional photographer.
“I’m extremely excited,” she said, referring to having received her diploma. “I can’t wait to get out in the world.”
Briceland said she might consider nature photography but wants to see what learning about photography will require before looking at colleges.
“I want to job hunt and finally have a social life,” Briceland said of her more immediate plans.
Speakers included valedictorians Ashley E. Orr and Jeffrey A. Schallick.
Orr said that maintaining a positive attitude, taking action and expressing appreciation are key ingredients for success. She also told the students that it’s essential to show gratitude toward those who have helped propel them forward and touched their lives.
In addition, success often is measured by how well one overcomes adversity, Schallick added.
Leah M. Cyrus, senior class president, and Superintendent Donald J. Mook also made remarks. Mook asked Class of 2012 members to hand flowers they had been given to those most influential in the graduates’ lives.