JOHNSTOWN — Ninety-four young people entered the Donald E. Butt Memorial Gymnasium of Johnstown-Monroe High School as students Saturday evening, and left as graduates walking toward adulthood.
School Superintendent Damien Bawn told the students that the two-hour graduation ceremony capped 4,600 hours of learning that each young person has invested in their future.
Bawn also recognized the many people whose efforts and support made the accomplishment of graduation possible for the class of 2008.
“Teachers, you have reached out and touched the future,” Bawn said. “Parents and grandparents, you started with a dream, nurtured a child and created a legacy.”
In addition to thanking teachers and family of the students, Bawn also acknowledged the contributions of money, sweat, prayers, cheers and spirit that those in the community have made during the years of education each child has received.
Bawn said that while he is not sure what the great truths of life are, he has learned what is not true. He warned that anyone who says they have learned all of the truths of life, has in reality stopped wondering and therefore learning.
“Never ever give up,” he told the graduating seniors. “Help whomever you can, and ask for help when you need it.”
Bawn told the students his speech would be only 147 lines, because he believes brevity is essential and appreciated during graduation ceremonies.
Musical selections by the High School Symphonic Band began and ended the ceremony. The JHS Chorale sang “Send Me a Song,” and Apogee, a female a cappella group, performed the song “Somewhere” from “West Side Story.”
Members of the class of 2008 have been awarded over $600,000 in scholarships. Most of the seniors were recognized with awards and scholarships.
Five of the graduates have enlisted in the military, and those students were recognized with a standing ovation from their classmates, faculty and families.
The students also gave a standing ovation to teachers Ann Shaw and Carol Barb, who are retiring, and were recognized by the class of 2008 with plaques.
The salutatory address was given by Addie Mae Grate, who told of the significant meaning Johnstown teachers have played in her life, and the lives of the other graduates.
“Teachers made a difference,” she explained. “Mr. [Joe] Bline always listened to me whenever I wanted to talk. Mr. [Jason] Ross cared about every student I’ve ever seen him talking to.”
Valedictorian Emily Huber asked her fellow students what kinds of gifts they thought they would receive for graduation. Huber said the caring encouragement of family, friends and teachers was a tremendous gift which provided the seniors with an opportunity to touch future generations.
“We have received such wonderful gifts,” she said. “I truly believe that we, the class of 2008 are truly prepared.”
As senior class president Cyndole Jeffrey read her classmates’ names, each walked up to receive his or her diploma, along with a Fire and Ice rose, the class flower.
Class advisor Carl Dufford presented senior Steven Neff with the Best Citizen Award. Neff was chosen by his classmates.
“Thanks for making our school better,” Bawn told the graduates. “Thanks for making our work count. Thanks for making our lives better. ... The world is yours. We’re all watching and expecting you to make it a better one.”
