6 generations watch one of 206 getting diplomas at East/Choffin comencement

YOUNGSTOWN

Family members who proudly watched Naomi Macklin on her big day ranged in age from 11 months to 99 years — and covered six generations.

But they shared one commonality: In their own ways, all were excited to see Macklin cross the stage to receive her high school diploma, then open the next chapter in her life.

“I’m going to Eastern Gateway [Community College] and plan to go into nursing,” explained Macklin, who was among the 206 graduates to receive diplomas during Friday’s East High School/Choffin Career and Technical Center’s Class of 2014 commencement at Stambaugh Auditorium.

The bookends of those who attended on Macklin’s behalf were her 11-month-old son, Gideon Graham Jr., and 99-year-old great-grandmother, Ora M. Barrett, of Youngstown.

Read more about her journey and her fellow classmates in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.