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Howland graduates 209 Tigers ready to roar
WARREN
A new chapter is opening for the Howland High School Class of 2015.
Their futures are suddenly here, and it’s time to go out in the world.
It’s a bit scary, sure, their honors orators told them. But they can’t shrink from change; they have to embrace it.
They can’t put life off, because time will slip away, warned their board of education president.
Fulfill the dreams they have, counseled their superintendent.
That common theme ran through each speech of Wednesday evening’s commencement at W.D. Packard Music Hall: “Go get ’em, Tigers.”
Before 209 graduates walked to the stage to receive their diplomas, they heard the words of encouragement so many other graduates have heard before them in this season and in seasons past.
They are, said honors orator Kelley Elizabeth Barnes, cliches that have been heard “a million times.”
Still, advice such as “stay true to your dreams” and “follow your own path” are important to keep in mind, she said.
“We are all going out into the world from this little town in Northeast Ohio,” she said. “I will remember my friends from the Class of 2015. “Take risks, but not recklessly,” she continued. “Don’t throw all caution to the wind.”
“I’m moving away, cross-country in two months,” said honors orator Jordan Radich.
“I’m afraid of change and not afraid to admit that,” he continued. “None of us know what tomorrow holds. One day you wake up and you’re 18, and you put on your graduation gown and walk across a stage and get your diploma.”
“Accept the responsibility that lies in front of you,” he said.
“Accept that people will let you down,” he continued. “Don’t worry about college. You’ll get by. Don’t worry about leaving your friends. You’ll make new ones.”
“A new chapter in your lives,” he said. “Make the most of it.”
Board of Education President Barbara Wright said she doesn’t know where the time went.
“My friends are retired and getting gray,” she said. “We are the older folks we never thought we’d be.”
“I contemplate doing things I wish I’d done but didn’t,” she said. “I think of doing things I used to do but can’t now.”
“It will come faster than you think,” she said. “Don’t put things off too long. Life goes by quickly.”
“Go Howland Tigers and a roaring future for each of you,” said Superintendent Kevin Spicher.
These Tigers are bounding off to some pretty impressive destinations.
Lydia Weisman will go to Youngstown State University to study interdisciplinary studio art, which includes all fields — painting, drawing and graphic design.
Taylor Craigo will go to Marshall University to study chemistry and pre-pharmacy. She’ll run track and cross country there, just like she did at Howland.
Aimee Gysegem is headed to Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for dual admissions in undergraduate and graduate work in marine biology. She’ll be on the swim team there, like she was at Howland.
Morgan Buckley is going to the University of Akron, where she’ll study sports management.
She’s always been interested in sports and she’s also interested in “the business side of things,” she said. “So it was the perfect major.”
She also ran track and cross country for Howland, and will run for Akron as well.
Zach Yoho is going to Kent State University at Trumbull to major in computer science and minor in psychology.