Niles grads treasure memories at Packard ceremony

June 1, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

Packard Music Hall was the site for Niles McKinley High School’s commencement Saturday

WARREN

Commencement ceremonies are always a time for memories and hopes. It was no different for 146 graduating seniors in Niles McKinley’s Class of 2014 who were awarded diplomas Saturday at W. D. Packard Music Hall.

“My favorite memory will always be that I was able to play football in my senior year,” said Lorenzo Bianco, who graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. “I had medical issues my first three years, but was cleared to play this year.”

Bianco plans to incorporate his love of sports into his future profession — physical therapy. “I like helping people and keeping the sports aspect,” he said. “Physical therapy is a perfect fit.”

Like Bianco, Gena Leedy plans to enroll at Cleveland State, but has chosen psychology as her major. She said her favorite Niles memory will be the move into the new high school in April 2013. “It was great being in the new school, and to experience all the technology was awesome.”

Her friend Sara D’Andrea is headed to Kent State University to major in English, but her favorite memory is the music she and some of her classmates provided to the school and community.

“I’m a member of Belles and Beauxs, [the school’s choir] and I just loved performing at nursing homes and at the Eastwood Mall during Christmastime,” she said. “I will definitely miss that.”

“I hope to keep it going, maybe with an a cappella choir in college,” D’Andrea said.

She got a chance to perform one last time as Belles and Beauxs sang “We Are the World” during the

ceremony. Many in the audience clapped in rhythm to the music.

Tyler Calhoun said his thoughts are focused after graduation on his entry into the workforce.

“I enjoyed being around a bunch of friends, but now I want to start a landscaping business,” he said. “I’ll miss everything, but it’s time to move on.”

Unlike many schools, Niles McKinley does not bring in a commencement guest speaker from the professional world. The only speeches came from valedictorian Cylie Alflen and salutatorian Casey Sudzina. Both young women encouraged their fellow graduates to be grateful for the memories but to keep looking ahead.

“I’m so thankful to have a group of friends who could always make me laugh,” said Sudzina, who said her hope for her classmates is “to make sure you’re going to be happy.”

In her address, Alflen said she did not feel she’s had enough life experiences to offer advice to anyone, but offered a bit of philosophy to cope with the future.

“You’re never totally lost,” she said. “You’re starting a new adventure.”