Graduates get ready for diverse futures

By Sean Barron

Don’t be afraid to dream and set high aspirations, a speaker told the graduates.

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Zachary Klepfer, Jonathan Klar and Travis Keagy have new high school diplomas in common, but their futures could be summed up in one word: diverse.

The three seniors were among 96 graduates to receive diplomas during commencement exercises Sunday for the Springfield Local High School Class of 2008 at the school.

Klepfer’s short- and long-term goals are to land a four-year apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist. Klepfer said he will likely inquire at local shops and may have a lead.

Drag-racing is in the blood of Klar, whose ambitions include attending a technical college in Northwest Ohio to learn to build race cars. In that vein, Klar plans to get into a two-year high-performance technical program, he added.

“I’d like to own my own bar along the beach,” said Keagy, who has his sights set on moving to Oregon, where he has family.

That state also has abundant wooded areas and a scenic coastline, both of which satisfy Keagy’s career goal and his desire to do a lot of hunting, he said.

Giving the commencement address at the hourlong, outdoor event was Dr. Cynthia Symons, a health education professor at Kent State University.

Dreams and aspirations make people unique and without dreams, “you could live the life someone else planned for you,” Symons told the graduates.

“Dream big, dream often and aspire to things for yourselves that will make you better than you ever thought you could be,” she continued.

Though a few people get lucky at gambling or buying a winning lottery ticket, fulfillment comes for most via work and the journey they choose, Symons said. Nevertheless, don’t underestimate luck that occasionally comes along, and maintain a positive attitude and a sense of preparation, she intoned.

Symons also advised class members to work at staying healthy by avoiding tobacco and other vices, set aside time for loved ones and try to make a difference in the world by helping others.

The program also featured remarks by Principal Anthony DeFelice, two valedictorians, the salutatorian and the class president. Performing the recessional and musical selections was the Springfield Local High School band.