Advice to Boardman Class of 2008: Take time to dream, serve others

By RICHARD L. BOCCIA

The principal called the graduates one of the best classes he’s seen.

BOARDMAN —Sweltering heat couldn’t deter a crowd of more than 3,000 gathered to celebrate the graduation of Boardman High School’s Class of 2008.

While the 90th class to leave the school got its send-off in the gymnasium, some parents and supporters watched the ceremony on a screen in the considerably cooler auditorium.

Superintendent Frank Lazzeri told the 420 graduates, “You are now accountable for getting yourselves where you want to go.”

Lazzeri congratulated them on rising to the responsibilities of high school then left them with some advice.

“Be accountable, go far and make us all proud of you,” he said.

Principal Timothy Saxton told of how proud Boardman already is of the grads, listing their accomplishments, which include 18 perfect grade-point averages, an orchestra that won top honors at all competitions, and strong showings by arts programs and athletic teams.

In describing the students’ interests, the message for the next stage of their lives was clear. “Search for what you truly love to do,” he said.

The principal also called the Class of 2008 one of the best classes he’s seen. As a 1984 Boardman graduate, Saxton would know.

Class president Melissa Pasquale’s speech fondly recalled images of childhood and adolescence, from early aspirations to be a firefighter, doctor or Spider-Man to her trip to Disney World over spring break. She found special relevance in the park’s yearlong theme, “Dreams do come true.”

“It is our turn now to dream,” she told her classmates before they filed past the podium to receive their diplomas.

As soon as Saxton announced the name of the last graduate present, the crowd erupted into applause and then stood to cheer. When the clapping stopped, the shout-outs began, with parents and friends yelling the names of their grad before quieting to listen to a farewell from student executive committee member Gregory Knight.

“The rest of your life is right through those doors,” said Knight, referring to the gym’s exit, which for his classmates had become an entrance to adulthood. Before he let them go through it, Knight reminded the class of the gratitude they owe and led them in a standing ovation for their families and supporters.

“Only through realizing the debt of gratitude we have to others can we prosper ourselves,” he said. “Too many falter on the path of the lone wanderer.”

Knight called for the class to show its thankfulness actively by doing service to others.

“I hold the sincere hope that wherever you go in life you’ll hold gratitude in your heart,” he said.

Saxton then took the podium again to recognize the school’s alumni, both old and brand new.

“Graduates, welcome to the alumni family,” he said after asking Boardman graduates in the crowd to stand, which amounted to about a third of those filling the bleachers. “Job well done. You will be missed.”

Six members of the class stepped to the front of the gym to lead the others in a quiet performance of Boardman’s alma mater, and then the mortar boards flew into the air, winged by the graduates. A celebratory blast from a foghorn sounded from the stands, and the ceremony was done.

For graduate Michael Nigro, it was the end of a high school experience that had gone quickly.

“It went by in what seemed like a year,” he said, standing with his family outside the auditorium, where they took pictures. “It was awesome.”