Sunday, May 28, 2017
CANFIELD
South Range High School Principal Stephen P. Rohan described the Class of 2017 as high achieving and intellectual in introducing its nine valedictorians and lone salutatorian, then said their addresses to the class were going to be about their “F”s at the school.
“F” is for fun and all the friends made at South Range. “I don’t know what I would do without them,” said class Salutatorian Anne Gulfo.
Photo Gallery: South Range Graduation
The valedictorians took a similar tack in discussing their “F”s at the school.
“‘F’ is for all the firsts at South Range, like getting asked to the prom or staying up late to finish an assignment, and all along the way, we had each other,” said Casey Lindstrom.
“‘F’ is for the friends who pick you up. They are indispensable, the source of the will to go on with an eye toward living, not just existing,” said Jack Bajerski.
“F” is for faith, not just in the religious sense, said Jenna Binsley. “Faith lives in each of us that causes us to reach for the stars, and other persons’ faith in us, like family, friends and teachers, is what makes us what we are,” she said.
“‘F’ is for fear, the kind that makes us sweat when we step up to the podium,” said Randy Skripac. “If you’re not afraid of failure, you won’t study or go the extra mile,” he said.
“‘F’ is for focus. We need to focus or we can’t see what the future brings. We must be ready to shift and continue to sharpen our focus as we rely more on ourselves,” said Kelly Patrick.
Zoey Novak said “F” is for familiar. “Everything about South Range is familiar; the school is a second home. Graduation is bittersweet because we must get out of our comfort zone and move into unfamiliar situations,” she said.
David Marsilio’s “F” stood for freedom. “We have the freedom to make the wrong choices; but the next step gives me a whole new sense of freedom,” he said.
Jacob Stellers said “F” is for final, the things he and his classmates are doing for perhaps the last time, such as having all their classes in the same building or the last chance for quality time with friends. “There is still a part of me that wants to hold onto here,” he said.
Carino Caruso said “F” stands for the future. “It’s OK to not know exactly what you want to do, not just about education and jobs. It’s about a fresh start and new people you will meet along the way,” she said.
Before the commencement began, best friends Katie Urs and Kaitlyn Francis talked about their time at South Range and heading off to Youngstown State University.
The young women agreed that their time at South Range was an “opportunity to grow and an amazing learning process.”
Dante Pecchia, who plans to study accounting at YSU, said his experience at South Range was a lot of fun and the teachers were great.
Dylan Bell, who attended the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center his last two years of high school, intends to attend Kent State University at Trumbull Police Academy, something he has wanted to do since eighth grade.
Sitting in the gym before the ceremony was John Buday of Boardman, who said his grandson, Michael Kuhns, would receive his diploma from his father, John Kuhns, who is president of the South Range Board of Education.
“The whole family is very proud of Michael,” Buday said.
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