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Fitch graduates 418 at Sunday ceremony
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
AUSTINTOWN
As 418 AUSTINTOWN Fitch HIGH School students graduated, friendship was on many minds.
“I’ve learned happiness lies in the relationships formed with others,” Dominic DiFrancesco, valedictorian, told those in the commencement audience at the high school Sunday afternoon.
Acknowledging he doesn’t know when he’ll see most of his classmates again, he told them, “I want you to know that I will forever carry with me the memories that we have made.”
Fellow valedictorian Ashley Amendol noted the students gained many friendships on their way to graduation.
“Some bad, some good, some strong, and some casual,” she said.
Kevin Yacucci, a classmate, also had friends on his mind, saying what he’ll miss most about high school is seeing his friends regularly.
He’ll remember the memories made when the Robotics Team he was a member of won the regional competition.
“That is a really vivid moment in my memory,” he said.
Yacucci will attend Youngstown State University in the fall to major in electrical engineering.
He said he will use at YSU what he learned at Fitch – how to work with others, team-building skills and cooperating to achieve a common goal.
Marissa Zambetis will remember what it’s like having many friends nearby who are always there to support you.
Her favorite memories of high school revolve around band and the bus trips to and from games.
“It was just the best,” she said. She played clarinet in band.
“Seeing everyone out clapping for you when you’re on the field, it was amazing,” she said.
Zambetis also attended Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, where she earned a cosmetology license.
Commencement day had some anxiety for Zambetis, since she’s unsure of her next step. She will find a job in a salon, but hopes to further her education in the future. She eventually would like to be a special-effects makeup artist.
But, thanks to what she learned at Fitch, she said she has confidence in herself.
The Class of 2016 has 11 valedictorians, 32 students who earned honors diplomas, and collectively were offered $3.5 million in scholarship money.
“You’ve been equipped with the tools for life,” Superintendent Vincent Colaluca told them. “Have the courage to pursue your dream.”