335 Boardman grads set their sights high

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

BOARDMAN

Luke C. Carabbia’s forays into the science field include having won top honors in a state high-school competition and planning to study biochemistry in college. But sandwiched between his scientific accomplishments and goals is one unscientific yet strong achievement: graduating from high school.

“I’ve always liked science. My freshman biology teacher, Mrs. [Heather] Moran, inspired me,” the Boardman High School graduate recalled.

On one end of Carabbia’s science continuum was having won a state competition last year as part of his school’s envirothon team. His next step is to attend Princeton University in New Jersey to continue on his path, Carabbia said proudly.

The single somewhat uncientific milestone separating his past and future was having received his diploma during Sunday’s 97th annual Boardman High commencement at the school gymnasium.

Carabbia was one of 335 Class of 2015 graduates to have taken home a diploma after the ceremony.

The new grad explained that the envirothon team competed in five categories: wildlife, soil types, aquatics, environmental issues and forestry. Carabbia was pleasantly surprised when the group won its first state competition, he explained.

“We worked very hard for it,” he said, adding that he plans to enjoy a bit of down time this summer before focusing on the next chapter in his life at the Ivy League school.

Studying a far-different kind of science, enlisting in the military and working for the federal government are the main goals on Brooke Bailey’s radarscope.

“I hope to be on the Naval Academy’s swimming team and study political science,” Bailey said about her desire to enter the Academy in Annapolis, Md., then perhaps pursue a career as a lobbyist or a campaign staffer.

Providing the spark for her interest and career path was Brian Racz’s advanced-placement government class, Bailey noted, adding that she intends to first serve at least five years in the Navy.

“My major achievements were making state [finals] in my senior year on the swim team and being able to graduate with people with whom I’ve made a lot of little memories,” Bailey said, adding that she plans to spend this summer with family and friends before moving from the area.

Boardman schools Superintendent Frank P. Lazzeri spoke on the value of gratitude, loyalty, preparedness and making good choices while touting teachers, aides, bus drivers and other personnel for grooming the grads for their futures.

“Every choice you make, makes you,” he said. “Life is playing the hand you’ve been dealt and playing it well.”

Lazzeri challenged the grads to approach life with sincerity, honesty and fidelity. He also advised the Class of 2015 members to put forth their best efforts in their lives as well as for their spouses and careers in a fast-paced, high-pressure society.

Meanwhile, the grads’ contributions to Boardman High and the community won’t be forgotten, he said.

Along those lines, Principal H. Jared Cardillo praised the students for their service to the school as well as their participation in fundraisers and other community events. Such efforts can be a template for breeding additional successes, he added.

Unless they truly feel happy with themselves, however, high-paying jobs, money and prestige mean little, said Marie F. Shorokey, student council president.

Shorokey, who plans to major in biology at Temple University, also urged her fellow grads to learn from failure, embrace the Golden Rule and treat others kindly.

“Being nice is a wonderful legacy to leave behind,” Shorokey said before taking a selfie with the grads in the background and to applause.

Reinforcing those themes was Zachary P. Fryda, senior class president, who will be heading to Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., to study pre-med.

“Stay positive,” he advised the students when they face inevitable roadblocks. “Look forward and stay positive; that’s the key to unlocking opportunities.”