PORT BYRON - It was a proud moment signified by smiles and capped heads held high as the 120 members of the Dana L. West Class of 2008 marched into the high school auditorium greeted with standing ovations from friends, family and school faculty.
This year marks the 136th commencement celebration in the school's history.
Class salutatorian Elizabeth Lakota, who will be attending SUNY University at Buffalo in the fall, began the evening's proceedings.
She said without the support of friends and family and the high school staff this day would not have been possible.
“We are told to enjoy these years that they are the best years of your life,” Lakota said. “And when I look back I realize that they are, but also that they are so much more.”
Lakota was followed by class president Brittany Jorgensen, who will be attending Cayuga Community College.
“This is a chance to remember the class of 2008,” Jorgensen said. “It is something we can do in honor of our friends,” Jorgensen said of donating the class funds to research charities.
High School Principal Shawn Bissetta said that each of the classes he has watched mature from freshmen to seniors has had its own unique characteristics and the Class of 2008 has been no exception.
“I have to first say how proud and honored I have been to be your principal,” he said. “I have to take this opportunity to publicly thank you for having made this school a better place.”
Bissetta said that when thinking of this class one word stood out in his mind above all others, leadership.
He said that to be a great leader also requires the ability to be a great follower, to possess the ability to follow the example of classmates, teachers and parents.
Valedictorian Ashley Leja, who will be attending Elmira College, said this graduation day was a day that the whole class had looked forward to for so many years with excitement and anticipation, but as the day grew closer there was also a certain sense of wanting the stave it off, at least for a little while longer.
“We have a lot of good memories,” Leja said. “Being part of a small school we have all touched each other's lives at least a little bit. We all grew up together and I wish you all the best in your futures.”
Class notes
Valedictorian: Ashley Leja
Salutatorian: Elizabeth Lakota
Graduating class: 120 and 2 honorary (foreign exchange) students
Class salutatorian Elizabeth Lakota, who will be attending SUNY University at Buffalo in the fall, began the evening's proceedings.
She said without the support of friends and family and the high school staff this day would not have been possible.
“We are told to enjoy these years that they are the best years of your life,” Lakota said. “And when I look back I realize that they are, but also that they are so much more.”
Lakota was followed by class president Brittany Jorgensen, who will be attending Cayuga Community College.
“This is a chance to remember the class of 2008,” Jorgensen said. “It is something we can do in honor of our friends,” Jorgensen said of donating the class funds to research charities.
High School Principal Shawn Bissetta said that each of the classes he has watched mature from freshmen to seniors has had its own unique characteristics and the Class of 2008 has been no exception.
“I have to first say how proud and honored I have been to be your principal,” he said. “I have to take this opportunity to publicly thank you for having made this school a better place.”
Bissetta said that when thinking of this class one word stood out in his mind above all others, leadership.
He said that to be a great leader also requires the ability to be a great follower, to possess the ability to follow the example of classmates, teachers and parents.
Valedictorian Ashley Leja, who will be attending Elmira College, said this graduation day was a day that the whole class had looked forward to for so many years with excitement and anticipation, but as the day grew closer there was also a certain sense of wanting the stave it off, at least for a little while longer.
“We have a lot of good memories,” Leja said. “Being part of a small school we have all touched each other's lives at least a little bit. We all grew up together and I wish you all the best in your futures.”
Class notes
Valedictorian: Ashley Leja
Salutatorian: Elizabeth Lakota
Graduating class: 120 and 2 honorary (foreign exchange) students
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