Sunday, May 31, 2015
137 bid farewell to mooney
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN
On paper, Madeleine P. Leek and Christian S. Dama have a lot in common. The two Cardinal Mooney High School graduates were National Honor Society members, loved being in Terri Kenner’s advanced-placement chemistry class and plan to enter the medical field.
Perhaps more importantly, however, each suffered the loss of her mother, and both plan to use their adversity and higher education to benefit others.
“My mom was incredible,” remembered Dama, who plans to attend Walsh University in North Canton to major in biology and pre-med. “She was the most selfless, giving person and definitely the best role model a girl could ever have.
“I’d love to take my experiences into the oncology field and help people going through the struggle we endured.”
Leek cried as she thought about her mother, who she said would have been proud to see her receive her diploma during Mooney’s 57th annual commencement Saturday at Stambaugh Auditorium. Both were among 137 members of the Class of 2015 who received diplomas during the ceremony.
One of Leek’s top ambitions is to get into the University of Pittsburgh’s medical school, though she will be majoring in neuroscience at the school.
Her most-cherished high-school memories likely will be her time in Mooney’s service
club, part of which saw her taking part in the Special Olympics for athletes with various challenges. She also will miss a recent senior-appreciation gathering in which she had an opportunity to get to know other classmates, Leek continued, adding that she volunteered one year for Crossroads Hospice, an agency that assists patients and families dealing with end-of-life issues.
Delivering the keynote address was Michael Latessa, a 1997 Mooney grad and assistant football coach.
Latessa expressed pride for the graduates, saying they have the ability to accomplish great goals, including being top journalists, doctors and politicians, possibly a U.S. Supreme Court justice or president.
“All of that potential is sitting in front of me,” he said.
After ticking off their numerous accomplishments in sports and in the community – and bearing in mind that he was speaking to the Class of 2015 – Latessa offered 15 pieces of advice he predicted would prime the grads for success.
They included embracing failure as a means to accomplish great things; recognizing that life isn’t always fair, but staying the course; serving others; making a difference in a youngster’s life; and thanking those who guided them. In addition, the students would do well to set high but reasonable standards as well as have faith in God and themselves, Latessa continued.
“If you have faith in the person in the mirror, you will achieve goals that others laughed at,” he concluded.
Leek also had a few words of advice for those who experience a monumental loss in their lives.
“Don’t let it overwhelm you because that’s what takes a toll on you emotionally and physically,” she said. “Use it to help others.”
Making additional remarks were Principal Mark Vollmer; Joanne Carney Smith, assistant principal; and Mary Fiala, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Youngstown.