Campbell grads share desire to reach out and help others

May 27, 2016 at 12:02a.m.

CAMPBELL

Campbell Graduation 2016

High academic achievements and proud accomplishments are two main high-school highlights Courtney Michaels, Nomiki Tsagaris and Kalliope Zembillas share, but suffice it to say they will continue to have one thing in common long after they put away their caps and gowns: the desire to reach out and help others.

“After high school, I want to go to YSU for nursing and be an anesthesiologist,” said Michaels, a Campbell Memorial High School Class of 2016 graduate. “I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field.”

But first was the task of receiving her high-school diploma, which she and 72 fellow grads did at Thursday’s commencement at the school, 280 Sixth St.

Tsagaris, class president, said she plans to enter Kent State University’s pre-med program this fall, aiming to be a neurologist. Her career decision is based largely on a longtime interest in brain etiology. But her first plan is a family vacation to North Carolina’s Outer Banks in July.

“I’m very happy, nervous, proud and excited,” said Zembillas, whose main plans are to major in chemistry at Youngstown State University and go to medical school.

Zembillas, who lived in Greece for about 10 years, was class valedictorian. “One of the lessons I’ve learned is to work hard, but remember to also enjoy your life,” she added.

The commencement speaker was Maria Rohan, a registered nurse at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland and a 2005 Campbell High grad.

Rohan, who works with children with cystic fibrosis, as well as those on the autism spectrum, advised the grads to surround themselves with those who believe in them, refrain from continually seeking others’ approval to achieve their dreams, seek to be someone’s inspiration and positive example and realize that being wealthy monetarily is not a prerequisite for success in life.

“Change the world not by doing big things, but by touching one life at a time,” she said.

Superintendent Matthew Bowen used his love of rollercoasters as a metaphor for life’s ups and downs, saying the grads should reach for greater heights and strive to enjoy daily what they do, yet realize it’s inevitable they will fall short and face loss and disappointment.