362 Fitch graduates embark on a new journey

May 27, 2012 at 12:06a.m.

AUSTINTOWN

If all goes according to plan, Autumn Krempasky will trade in her class colors of purple and silver for green.

“I’m really concerned about protecting the environment, and I love animals,” Krempasky explained about her probable career path.

Krempasky also loved having her high school diploma in hand, which she and 361 others received during Austintown Fitch High School’s Class of 2012 commencement Saturday morning in the school gym.

After a summer that likely will include traveling to Myrtle Beach, S.C., and performing light- assembly work for her job at Altronic Inc. of Girard, Krempasky plans to enroll at Ohio State University to study environmental science. Krempasky hopes to educate the public about environmental problems and concerns as well as the importance of renewable energy, she said.

She’ll miss being part of her school’s concert choir and Key Club, she noted.

“I’m very proud of her,” said Krempasky’s father, Frank Krempasky, who has worked 30 years at Altronic, a company that produces digital instrumentation for gas engines, compressors and heavy-duty equipment.

Also sharing in the pride was Alexa Lynn, one of nine valedictorians.

“It’s surreal; it doesn’t feel like it’s happening,” Lynn said about being a high school graduate.

Attending Kent State University to study accounting to possibly become a certified public accountant is on Lynn’s radar screen, though she’s uncertain about what aspect of the business world she wishes to pursue, she explained.

Lynn’s summer agenda will feature a one-week family vacation to Myrtle Beach at the end of July. She also plans to continue working for White House Fruit Farm in Canfield.

“I’ve made so many good friends here. I wouldn’t trade my four years at Fitch for anything,” Lynn said, adding that she enjoyed being on the school’s basketball and volleyball teams.

Addressing the standing-room-only crowd were Lynn, along with fellow valedictorians Megan Carney, Juliana Figueroa, Marissa Mraz, Angela Murphy, Stacey Pauline, Michael Radetic, Jayme Rarick and Alexander While.

Offering farewell reflections were Joellin Chance, senior class president, and Ashley Hammett, who also attended Mahoning County Career & Technical Center.

Chance reminded fellow students that their character matters more than their careers and how much money they make.

Hammett said she was grateful to MCCTC for helping her decide to go to college to become a pediatrician.

Other speakers were guidance counselors Maribeth McGlynn and Lauren Mechling, who talked about the importance of seeking happiness and fulfillment from within, as well as embracing and using one’s talents to make dreams come true.

“Happiness is yours if you let it in,” McGlynn said.

Principal Douglas Mc- Glynn, Superintendent Vince Colaluca and Tom Mock, director of communications for General Motors in Lordstown, made additional remarks.

Mock also is an announcer for various Fitch sporting events.