50 Lowellville graduates encouraged to embrace life

June 8, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

LOWELLVILLE

Members of Lowellville High School’s Class of 2015 experienced their final day together during Sunday’s commencement.

But today marks the first of what will be the rest of their lives, Lowellville schools Superintendent Geno Thomas said.

“It’s a privilege to see the students graduate,” he said.

The 50 class members received their diplomas at the high school’s gymnasium, where administrators, alumni, and fellow students shared words of advice, encouragement, and reflection during the ceremony.

The event marked a moment of change and transition, consistent with aspects of life, high-school Principal Jared Van Kirk said in his presentation.

“Accept that,” he said.

Kirk also advised students to be positive, to give back, to live without regrets, to never stop learning, and to always have some fun.

“Life is short, ladies and gentlemen,” he said.

Andi Hrusovsky, Emily Partika, Nicholas Piccirillo, Brooke Zackasee and Jordan Zackasee also addressed the class. The five valedictorians touched on themes of the past, present, future, commitment and leadership. Partika captured the era of the commencement by taking a selfie of herself with the entire class in the background.

“I can assure you that you’ll find it on Instagram,” she said.

Some of the class’s top students shared a deeper bond. Brooke Zackasee and Jordan Zackasee are the niece and son, respectively, of Robert Zackasee, president of the school board, who presented diplomas to the students. He gave his niece a kiss on the cheek when he handed her the diploma.

“I’ve known all these kids,” Robert Zackasee said. “It’s been great to see them grow.”

Jordan and Brooke will study chemical engineering and education, respectively, at Youngstown State University.

“We’re probably each other’s biggest supporter,” Brooke said.

Additionally, Nicholas’ twin sister, Anne Piccirillo, was salutatorian. She also addressed the class, touching on the theme of religion and faith.

“Our class has come a long way,” Vincent Donofrio, class president, said.