Smashing, dashing grads

June 9, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

POLAND

For three of his four high-school years, Garrett Gardner’s growing ability to serve and receive has taken him to state-championship competitions in tennis.

Receiving also was a top theme of another big day for him, though this time no obstacles stood in his way. And he traded in the court for the stage.

“It’s been a fantastic four years. I’ve met a lot of friends with tennis,” said Gardner, who started playing tennis at age 5 and who was among the 180 graduates to take home diplomas during Sunday’s Poland Seminary High School Class of 2014 commencement at the school.

Besides graduating, Gardner’s most-recent accomplishment was his fourth-place finish at the 2014 Division II boys state tennis tournament May 31 in Columbus.

Nevertheless, Gardner barely put down his tennis racket before he found himself on the road again. Immediately after Sunday’s ceremony, Gardner and his father, Rob Gardner, headed to Valparaiso, Ind., for a two-day orientation program at Valparaiso University, where the younger Gardner plans to major in math.

Before hitting the books this fall, Garrett plans to spend part of the summer engaging in strength training and weightlifting to prepare for Valparaiso’s tennis team, he said.

“He spent a lot of time with tennis,” added Rob Gardner, certified public accountant and financial adviser with Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Inc. in Canfield.

Gardner noted that his son also finished No. 185 in the nation among seniors in the United States Tennis Association. Beforehand, Garrett took about four years’ worth of lessons and clinics in Akron, his father continued.

Sports also ran through Alex Ankerman’s time in high school because he spent all four years on the track team.

“It’s bittersweet. I’m a bit sad now, but I’m also more excited,” he said, referring to having become a graduate.

Ankerman, who was senior class president, plans to major in education at Youngstown State University and perhaps pursue a career as a science teacher, he explained. Beforehand, he hopes to travel in July to England to visit family.

Traveling to visit family next month also is on the itinerary of Madison Walkama, who intends to spend a week or two visiting her sister in Hilton Head, S.C., before attending Kent State University this fall.

Being a National Honor Society member was one of her proudest high-school accomplishments, said Walkama, adding that she will miss attending Poland Bulldogs football games and playing on her school’s basketball team.

Walkama, who maintained a 3.6 grade-point average, said her long-term goals include majoring in architecture, with an emphasis on urban-restoration efforts. To that end, she hopes to foster a career in revitalizing cities, she noted.

The commencement speaker was Michael Masucci, a former Poland High principal and first-grade teacher in the district.

“In the last 20 years, my life has changed for the better,” said Masucci, a 1989 Boardman High School graduate. “I’ve experienced joy, sorrow, excitement and every emotion you can think of.”

Masucci shared several personal anecdotes with the students to encourage them to stand up for themselves, make good choices and not allow anyone to lead them astray.

The graduates’ four years of high school were an opportunity to discover who they are; now they will begin to establish who they are, Masucci continued, adding that the grads would do well to thank everyone who love and supported them.

Also praising the students for their achievements was Superintendent David R. Janofa, who noted that more than $2.8 million in scholarship money was given to the Class of 2014.

Making additional remarks were Principal Kevin Snyder and Matthew Slaven, valedictorian.

The Senior Seminary Singers offered their rendition of “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban.