Canfield grads take the heat at ceremony

By ELISE FRANCO

Spirit, bonding and friendliness united the class, a valedictorian said.

CANFIELD— The burning sun and 90-degree temperatures didn’t keep Canfield High School seniors, staff, friends and family from enjoying one of the most momentous days of a senior’s high school career.

“It is hot out here, no doubt about that,” Kenneth Popovec, said during his commencement address at the school’s football stadium. “But we’re all going to get through the ceremony in spite of the heat because we are here today to celebrate your high school graduation.”

Popovec, a Canfield High School alumnus and a self-employed investment adviser, set the tone for an afternoon of laughter and cheers, starting his speech by joking that no graduating senior remembers his or her commencement speaker. He said nothing he would tell them would be earth- shattering or profound, but he did have three positive thoughts learned in his life he wanted to share.

His first fundamental rule to live by was to do or study something you love, become great at it, and let the success follow — never be motivated by money. Second, he said if you’re unhappy with your situation, you must take the steps to make a change, because it won’t change on its own. And finally, he said giving back to the community you’ve grown up in is a must.

One of three valedictorians, Nathan Esperon, said this class was a tightly knit group of students, thanks to the support and preparation given to them by the Canfield High School community.

“Spirit, bonding and friendliness have united this class of 2008,” he said.

Tyler Reed and Daniel Wright were also honored as valedictorians.

Canfield School District Superintendent Dante Zambrini congratulated the 257 graduating seniors and read a list of words that come to mind when he thinks of them. Creative, caring, trustworthy, reliable and highly motivated were some of them.

“This is a truly talented graduating class,” he said. “I want to thank you for adding value to Canfield High School.”

Eleni Vouvalis, who will attend Youngstown State University for physical therapy, said before the ceremony she didn’t feel as though graduation was really happening.

“It’s kind of surreal right now. It went so fast,” she said. “I don’t think it’ll hit me until I am actually out there getting my diploma.”

Vouvalis said she received some good advice during her time at Canfield High School, and wishes she would have followed it.

“Someone told me to take my time and not rush through my high school years,” she said. “Because it really does go as fast as people say.”

With approximately $6 million in total scholarships, Principal Abby Barone was impressed but not surprised by the amount of money given to the class of 2008.

“This class contains some of the finest scholars, athletes and volunteers who are going to go out and do great things,” she said. “And when all is said and done, they are just darn nice kids.”

efranco@vindy.com.