AUBURN - Tommy Smith graduated from Auburn High School Friday, but for him, that moment is less of an ending as it is a beginning.
Chet Susslin / The Citizen
Senior class President Ian Merritt speaks at the Auburn commencement ceremony in front of about 300 of his fellow graduates.
Senior class President Ian Merritt speaks at the Auburn commencement ceremony in front of about 300 of his fellow graduates.
“I've got my whole life ahead of me,” said the 17-year-old from Auburn minutes after receiving his diploma, “and now it's time to explore the world.”
Smith, who will attend Cayuga Community College in the fall, was one of more than 300 students that reached a milestone each of them spent the last 13 years working toward. Sitting in the high school gymnasium with diplomas on their laps, they moved their tassels from right to left, symbolically ending the journey while starting a new one.
“Whatever you're going to do,” said senior class President Ian Merritt, “everybody in this room has a place in this world, no matter what.”
But it ultimately doesn't matter where people go. Valedictorian Jaide Edwards and salutatorian Adam Cadwallader said there will always be something bringing the class of 2009 back to Auburn High School.
“No matter where you go,” Cadwallader said, “if you trace your path, it all comes back to here.”
Edwards charged her fellow graduates to remember the moments, the people and events that brought the school together.
“I know we will get very caught up in preparing for our future,” she said, “but I hope none of us forget the memories that we as a class have made together.”
She recognized Sarah E. Smith, who was killed in a car accident in October 2007. People paused for a moment of silence at the beginning of the ceremony to remember Smith, who was 16 years old at the time.
“Although I didn't know her personally,” she said, “I was able to see how much support we could offer each other in a very difficult time.”
High school Principal Brian Morgan hit the theme of togetherness, saying that collectively the class of 2009 received $2.1 million in scholarships and awards.
Clutching his diploma, Laeron Murray, 18, of Auburn, said this accomplishment is unlike any other.
“It's a good feeling,” he said, “and I think everybody should enjoy this feeling, It's an excellent feeling.”
One feeling Christine Mason and Mark Lockrow, of Brutus, aren't ready to experience is being alone in their house.
Tate Mason, Christine's youngest child, graduated Friday, a step closer to leaving her mother and “very proud” stepfather as empty nesters. But that's no matter.
“We're both excited for her because she can now achieve the goals she set for herself,” Christine said, “and the whole growing-up process is an exciting thing in and of itself.”
While graduating high school is an honor for every senior, Phyllis Wilson said Friday was especially momentous for her daughter Ashley, who is a student with disabilities. Enrolled in a Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES special education program, Ashley, of Port Byron, had a more difficult time getting through high school than many students do, but she persevered and did it.
She will now continue on with her education, learning life skills in a program run by Auburn High School, Cayuga Community College and BOCES.
“It's an exciting day for all the kids,” Phyllis said, “but even more so for kids that are handicapped. I think it's wonderful what (these schools) have done for these kids.”
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
Smith, who will attend Cayuga Community College in the fall, was one of more than 300 students that reached a milestone each of them spent the last 13 years working toward. Sitting in the high school gymnasium with diplomas on their laps, they moved their tassels from right to left, symbolically ending the journey while starting a new one.
“Whatever you're going to do,” said senior class President Ian Merritt, “everybody in this room has a place in this world, no matter what.”
But it ultimately doesn't matter where people go. Valedictorian Jaide Edwards and salutatorian Adam Cadwallader said there will always be something bringing the class of 2009 back to Auburn High School.
“No matter where you go,” Cadwallader said, “if you trace your path, it all comes back to here.”
Edwards charged her fellow graduates to remember the moments, the people and events that brought the school together.
“I know we will get very caught up in preparing for our future,” she said, “but I hope none of us forget the memories that we as a class have made together.”
She recognized Sarah E. Smith, who was killed in a car accident in October 2007. People paused for a moment of silence at the beginning of the ceremony to remember Smith, who was 16 years old at the time.
“Although I didn't know her personally,” she said, “I was able to see how much support we could offer each other in a very difficult time.”
High school Principal Brian Morgan hit the theme of togetherness, saying that collectively the class of 2009 received $2.1 million in scholarships and awards.
Clutching his diploma, Laeron Murray, 18, of Auburn, said this accomplishment is unlike any other.
“It's a good feeling,” he said, “and I think everybody should enjoy this feeling, It's an excellent feeling.”
One feeling Christine Mason and Mark Lockrow, of Brutus, aren't ready to experience is being alone in their house.
Tate Mason, Christine's youngest child, graduated Friday, a step closer to leaving her mother and “very proud” stepfather as empty nesters. But that's no matter.
“We're both excited for her because she can now achieve the goals she set for herself,” Christine said, “and the whole growing-up process is an exciting thing in and of itself.”
While graduating high school is an honor for every senior, Phyllis Wilson said Friday was especially momentous for her daughter Ashley, who is a student with disabilities. Enrolled in a Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES special education program, Ashley, of Port Byron, had a more difficult time getting through high school than many students do, but she persevered and did it.
She will now continue on with her education, learning life skills in a program run by Auburn High School, Cayuga Community College and BOCES.
“It's an exciting day for all the kids,” Phyllis said, “but even more so for kids that are handicapped. I think it's wonderful what (these schools) have done for these kids.”
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
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