'As we achieve, we create a better world,' Chaney speaker tells fellow grads

YOUNGSTOWN

Ambitious college and career plans abound among this year’s Chaney Campus graduates, with a strong emphasis on science, technology and engineering.

Taylor Acierno, co-valedictorian, plans to study biomedical engineering at Youngstown State University, having won first place in science and second place in mathematics in the Judge William Rayen excellence awards.

“It is not enough to simply try to get by in life. That doesn’t move the world forward. We must strive for excellence in every task, no matter how big or small,” she told her classmates today.

“Although it may not be obvious, every accomplishment we achieve is added to the world’s accomplishments. Our individual success benefits society as a whole, because, as we achieve, we create a better world.”

Her message was consistent with the words prominently inscribed above the Chaney auditorium stage curtain: “Enter to learn: Go forth to serve.”

The other co-valedictorian, LaRazia Diane Tolbert, plans to study criminology and criminal justice at Ohio State University, having won first place in foreign language and second place in humanities in the Rayen awards.

Read more about the ceremony in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.