YATESVILLE — Class dismissed.
The Pittston Area Class of 2015 was given its final lesson Wednesday during the school’s 49th annual commencement at Charley Trippi Stadium in Yatesville. The school awarded 254 diplomas.
In front of a standing-room-only crowd on the home side of the stadium, Pittston Area’s 10 valedictorians recalled Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the places you’ll go.” The valedictorians reminded fellow students never to settle, and never take anything for granted. The 10 valedictorians are Angelo Aita, Elizabeth Cappelloni, Olivia Giambra, Michael Havrilla, Megan Karuzie, Mikayla Nardone, Kristen Richards, Eric Sklanka, Nicole Walters and Brandon Winters.
“Seuss inspires us with words of encouragement and inspires us to do so,” Richards said. “We challenge you, our fellow classmates, to act on Seuss’ themes because every journey must begin with a first step.
The students recited the entire Seuss book, giving some advice to their fellow classmates along the way. The story talks about an unnamed protagonist leaving town, much like graduation, and what it takes to get to the next step.
“Motivation is the spark that drives us to achieve our personal goals,” Nardone said. “Determination is the dedication to conquer all obstacles in order to obtain those goals.”
Eventually, the protagonist encounters “The Waiting Place.”
“As we proceed with our lives, I’m sure many of us will find ourselves in this most useless place,” Winters said. “It is our responsibility as new members of society to never get caught there. As we go into the world, no on is more responsible for your future than you.”
The story concludes with an open ending, perfect for a graduation ceremony.
“Oh, the places you will go,” Sklanka said.
Sklanka, the class president for the past four years, provided the welcome to students and spectators. Quickly, Sklanka’s focus shifted to the crowd. He recognized family members and friends of graduates. He said he and his classmates wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for family.
He asked aunts and uncles to stand and be recognized, then, grandparents. He then recognized all educators in the crowd. Finally, he asked parents to stand and be recognized.
“I thank you for the job you’ve done raising all of us,” Sklanka said. “All this preparation can not be acknowledged without the love and support to help us get to this point.”
Sklanka described his classmates as driven, intelligent, spirited and united.
“In the coming years, many things will change,” Sklanka said. “If you cross paths with any of your classmates seated here tonight, there is no doubt in my mind you’ll be greeted as an old friend. That, in itself, is something special.”
Superintendent Michael Garzella reminded students to always work hard, and that this day will always be a celebration.
“The best advice I can give you is always work hard, do your best and never quit,” Garzella said. “You may ask yourself, ‘Why am I making this sacrifice?’ Every milestone you achieve … It’s something no one can take away from you. Your qualifications will open doors for you in the future.”
Pittston Area School Board Vice President Anthony Guariglia spoke on behalf of President Kent Bratlee.
“This Pittston Area education will serve you well for the rest of your life,” Guariglia said.
The class officers are Sklanka, president; Cappelloni, vice president; Elizabeth Scialpi, secretary; and Michael Gutkowski, treasurer.
Pittston Area’s Selena Hernandez sang the National Anthem to begin the commencement. Sarah Velehoski recited her poem, “Promise.” The class song is “I’ll Always Remember You.” Cappelloni and Elizabeth Scialpi, along with Gutkowski and Sklanka, performed the song.
Senior Tiffany Newell closed the ceremony by leading the class in the school’s alma mater.
Throughout the ceremony, students and faculty remembered and honored Jamie Ann Baker, who passed away in her sophomore year at Pittston Area. Baker would have graduated with the class of 2015.
