Campbell grads brave a new world

By Jeanne Starmack

Sharay Lewis is going to Central State University in Wilberforce to major in accounting; Johnny Brown is moving to Columbus; and Sylvia Milano will major in early-childhood education at Youngstown State University.

They were together for the last time as Campbell Memorial High School students at commencement in the school gymnasium Thursday evening, along with the other 86 members of the Class of 2009.

But no matter how far away they go and no matter what they do, they will always have a common bond.

“Once a Red Devil, always a Red Devil, said Erica Melnik, class salutatorian.

“This will be the last time we will be in the same room as a class. I will miss that family feeling,” said Melnik, who has a full scholarship to YSU.

The class is going out into a world with many problems, speakers noted.

“There are big challenges,” said schools superintendent Thomas Robey. “Unemployment and job losses are at unprecedented levels.

“Health care is spiraling out of control,” he continued, and the world needs clean energy alternatives. He added that he believes the class is up to the challenges.

That’s because the students have the background to succeed, others noted.

Dr. Lionel M. Nelson, a dentist in Durham, N.C., was Campbell class valedictorian in 1992.

“Our upbringing and education gives us all the necessary tools to succeed,” he said in the commencement address. “Growing up here teaches acceptance and respect.”

Frank Pinciaro, Campbell athletic director and the class sponsor, said that over four years he saw members of the class who were succeeding help those who had fallen behind.

“That’s the essence of this city,” Pinciaro said.

While they looked ahead, the class thanked their parents and teachers for support.

“I speak for everyone when I say thank you to Mom,” said Melnik, adding that teachers gave extra time to help. “We want to thank you one last time.”

Valedictorian Lea Dragovich, who will attend Ohio State University, told the class it’s time to go on.

“High school has been a masquerade full of remarkable characters,” she said. “But we are preparing now for the reality of life, and the masks will soon fall.”

GRADUATION FACTS

Campbell Memorial

Graduates: 89

Class colors: Teal green and silver gray

Class gem: Tanzanite

Class flower: Night blooming orchid

Class song: “The Sky Is the Limit” by David Cook.

Class motto: In life, shoot for the moon. If on the way you miss, reach out and grab a star.”