PORT BYRON - Though cameras were pointed at the people on the Dana L. West High School auditorium stage Friday, the words from the stage were focused on community.

More than 100 members of the class of 2009 lined up in red and white to receive their diplomas. But before they turned their tassels, fellow classmates and school officials reminded them that family, friends and fellow Port Byron residents all had a role to play in the moment.

Graduate William Rice told his peers not to forget this community as they move forward. Reading a letter from U.S. Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, Rice said that community has included influential people like Henry Wells of Wells Fargo fame and sewing machine magnate Isaac Singer.

“Always remember the rich and vibrant community where you came from,” Rice said as he read from the letter.

Many of the speakers talked of family, as well. Class Salutatorian Shannon Collins named her mother, father, brother and grandparents as major reasons for her success in high school.

“I would like to thank you ... for helping me to live, learn, and though I did not realize it sometimes, prepare me for my future,” Collins said.

Those families filled the auditorium, with dozens of people standing in the back and watching the event from a television feed in another room. The ceremony featured music, awards and the occasional tear, as well as the traditional presentation of the class gift.

Fittingly, the class gift was directed at the community which has been supportive of the students. The class donated $1,000 to the Sean Gummerson scholarship, which helps fund students take college courses during high school.

The concept of community was related back to the students, as well, during the ceremony. Valedictorian Erica Podolak compared that community to a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece is unique, but they all come together to form something larger.

“Without each student being who they are, the whole class wouldn't fit together like it does today,” said Podolak, who placed a puzzle piece on each graduate's chair before the ceremony.

But school district Superintendent Neil O'Brien asked the former students to also remember some members of the Port Byron community who are no longer here. Roxie Smith worked for years on the board of education to improve the schools before she passed away this year, O'Brien said.

He also spoke of former Dana L. West High School Students Jerome Bell and Patrick Devoe, both killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. Devoe and Bell gave a precious gift by sacrificing their lives in service, O'Brien said.

“(Devoe and Bell) will never see the joy of us receiving their gifts,” he said.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net