Schools
SHS Class of 2012 'At the End of One Journey and at the Start of Another'
Graduates commended for contributions to Stevenson High School and the community at large.
Pride from academic successes and hope for the future were the underlying themes of graduation at the Sears Centre.
The 90-minute ceremony had a festive atmosphere, with the school's tour orchestra performing songs before the ceremony started.
“I’m going to cry, as our babies are grown up,” Liz Goldberg said before the ceremony started. Her children, Illissa and Matthew, were among the school's 1,076 graduates.
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Many cheered when graduates’ names were called, and some graduates bounced beach balls that were quickly confiscated by teachers.
School Board President Bruce Lubin shared the class of 2012’s accomplishments, noting that one student had served as a food pantry coordinator and a second student was .
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Lubin also discussed the graduating class’s other accomplishments, which included food drives and toy drives. “I couldn’t be more proud of Stevenson than this year,” he said.
In her scriptor address, Leslie Luna recalled historic moments as she reminisced over the four years of high school, telling her fellow graduates to be champions and to become success stories. “Congratulations, as you have earned this day,” she said.
The gubernator address, given by Jessica Ma, challenged the graduates to look forward. “Here we are at the end of one journey and the start of another,” Ma said. “We are about to enter the real world and will eventually have an impact on headlines. Our contributions can be transformed into actions.”
District 125 Superintendent Eric Twadell thanked parents and teachers for helping the class of 2012 achieve success.
“I am so proud of our daughter, Celina,” Perry Romano said.
"My son [Matthew] is so excited for graduation," Susan Fasano said. He will attend the University of Missouri in the fall, and Fasano said she plans to talk with him via her iPad.
After the ceremony, emotions ran high as parents reunited with graduates. Some parents wiped away tears, while others hugged and kissed their graduates.
Allison Brand plans to attend the University of Southern Indiana. “I’m studying to be an ultrasound technician, and I can’t wait,” she said.
David Alston plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall and major in biotechnology. After the ceremony, he celebrated and took pictures with his family, giving them hugs and kisses.
