136th Niles commencement is a first at Warren’s Packard Music Hall

136th Niles commencement is a first at Warren’s Packard Music Hall

WARREN

Perhaps Melanie Rose, valedictorian of the graduating Class of 2012 of Niles McKinley High School, best expressed the attitudes of her classmates during her address.

“The door is closing quickly and the next one is creeping open,” said Rose to the 156 graduates during ceremonies at a nearly full Packard Music Hall in Warren on Saturday afternoon. “We are just explorers trying to find ourselves.”

Jordan Smith, one of several classmates and friends Rose paid tribute to during her speech, tended to agree about an event that brings different emotions to the new graduates as well as their families.

“It’s sad and it’s happy,” said Smith, who will study psychology at Ohio University. “I’m going to miss all the homecomings and the soccer games.” Smith said she eventually plans to pursue a doctorate and start her own practice.

“I just liked the people and being with friends,” said Tyler Negro, who transferred to McKinley as a sophomore. He is headed to Trumbull Business College to take courses in computer applications.

Stephanie Yasechko, class salutatorian, thanked her teachers but added that thanks were also in order for her classmates because of the “second education (I received) in life from all of you.”

Tiffany Snow, who will major in graphic design at the University of Toledo, said she will miss playing in the school band while Patrick Barrett said his favorite memories are of football on Friday nights. Barrett will continue playing the sport at Notre Dame College near Cleveland next fall.

Although the ceremony marked the 136th commencement in the school’s history, it was the first time one was conducted at Packard Music Hall. Usually graduation occurs at the high school, but was held at Packard due to construction of the new high school, a point noted by Superintendent Mark Robinson.

“You are the last class to graduate from the current Niles McKinley High School,” Robinson said. “Next year at this time, students will be in the new building and the building where you spent your four years will be undergoing demolition.”

Veterans in the audience as well as graduates about to enter the military were asked to stand in honor of tomorrow’s observance of Memorial Day. They received a loud and lengthy applause.