OHS graduates 44 in Class of 2006
The Onaway High School gymnasium was at capacity on Sunday for the 2006 graduation ceremony of 44 senior students.
Graduating senior class president, Amanda Stiles, may have summed it up best when she said the moment of graduation seemed so far away?and in a blink of an eye, it was time. The pride for each graduate could be seen through the eyes of parents, family and friends who filled the seats during the ceremony, as well as through the eyes of the graduates themselves.
PRINCIPAL MATT Lukshaitis started the afternoon ceremony by reminding students that there would be times after graduation when the students would be challenged in life.
?There will be obstacles,? said Lukshaitis. ?It?s how we deal with those?that define us.?
Lukshaitis thanked the ?strong supporting cast? of parents and family that helped each student achieve his or her goals throughout their educational experience.
Superintendent Bob Szymoniak followed up the advice from Lukshaitis with words of wisdom of his own. He told the graduating seniors they would need to start making life decisions, such as where to gain further education or training, who to surround themselves with, and how they can best contribute to their society.
SALUTATORIAN KATIE Brown greeted her fellow classmates by commenting on how long the journey had been up to that point. ?It?s been a long road, and we?ve all made it,? said Brown. She told the students they should ?appreciate and learn from their past? in order to be ?shaped by it.?
Brown spoke further on making good choices, and being responsible throughout life. She commented on change as ?inevitable? and on growth as ?optional.?
Honor student Morgan
VALEDICTORIAN ECHOE Bouta reminded her fellow classmates they have the ability to create their own futures. ?You can accomplish whatever you want if you are dedicated,? said Bouta. ?You can walk out those doors and be anything you want; walk out confident.?
Bouta told the students not to procrastinate on shaping their future, and to be willing to take some risks. ?Don?t waste time,? said Bouta. ?If something is worthwhile, then go after it.?
The afternoon was completed with a senior slide show presented by Stiles. It was compiled by Stiles, Lacey LaFave, and Amanda Brewbaker.