Harding grads say goodbye, look ahead

May 29, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

WARREN

When it comes to their planned majors, shared interests and friendship with each other, you might say that Cara M. Hernon and Olivia M. Woods have good chemistry.

“I’m going to Miami University in Oxford in the fall to major in chemistry and I hope to go to medical school to be a doctor one day,” Woods said, adding that she is leaning toward being a pediatrician.

But first things first: Woods needed to earn her high-school diploma, which she did during Thursday’s Warren G. Harding High School commencement at W.D. Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW.

In addition to being one of 268 graduates who took home diplomas, Woods was her class’ salutatorian and a National Honor Society member.

Hernon, class valedictorian, is planning to attend the University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla., to major in chemistry and marine science.

During their high-school days, the two friends also were on the swim and tennis teams. Hernon was the tennis team’s captain and cherished competing in the two sports.

“I will miss the swim team,” she said. “It was by far the best activity I’ve ever done. We were a family.”

Woods also delivered the salutatorian’s address, telling her fellow grads they will be judged by their character, the choices they make and how they handle adversity and failure. Taking on new challenges may appear daunting, but it will lead to greater inner strength, she said.

“It is better to try, and fail, than to pass up new opportunities,” she added.

Calling Harding High “a dynamic and diverse community,” Hernon said during her valedictorian’s address that she would like to see her school cast more often in a positive light. Her parents instilled in her a deep love of learning, something her high-school experience reinforced, she said. Warren Superintendent Steve Chiaro talked about several students who he said have impacted his life and career. The grads would do well to embrace and keep up with changes and advancements in technology while realizing the value of setting forth a positive example, he advised.

“Every place you go, I want you to leave it better than you found it,” Chiaro said.

Making additional remarks were Principal Dante A. Capers and Jeffrey Shuster, class president.

Also during the ceremony, students and attendees paused for a moment of silence to remember and honor 17-year-old Alyssa B. Wynn, a Class of 2015 member who was part of the school’s choir and was killed in a car crash March 12 on West Market Street in Warren.

Performing the musical selections were the Warren G. Harding Madrigal/New Tomorrows & Senior Acappella Singers.