News

June 6, 2009

For Dallas grads, an emotional sendoff

With cheers and choked-up speeches, seniors express emotions on special day.

JANINE UNGVARSKY Times Leader Correspondent

DALLAS – The Dallas High School class of 2009 went out with a bang, partying like rock stars amid showers of streamers, confetti, bubbles, balloons and beach balls after all 211 were proclaimed graduates Friday night.

Not even the all-day rain that forced their outdoor celebration indoors to the middle school auditorium could dampen the seniors’ exuberance.

“No matter what anyone says, we are the class with the swagger,” said valedictorian John Francis Prater, and his classmates proved him right with confident enthusiasm.

Graduates in two shades of blue gowns hooted approval for classmate Matthew Edward Alles’ rendition of the national anthem. They cheered on class officers who choked up during emotional speeches. They applauded retiring teachers and offered up a standing ovation for teacher Jay Pope, who “graduated” to retirement after 37 years in the Dallas School District.

“That’s what I’m going to miss most—everyone’s spirit, our school spirit, the fun we had when we got together,” said Ivana Tomasino. “I’m almost disappointed to see everyone together for the last time, but I’m happy because everyone starts a new life,” said Tomasino, who will attend Luzerne County Community College to study early childhood education.

That new life was on the mind of most of the speakers.

“This is a limitless welcome to the rest of your life,” said class Vice President Kristina Toussaint, who gave the welcome address. She urged graduates not to look so far into the future that they rush past the special times of life. “Dream big, be confident and succeed,” Toussaint said.

“Enjoy every minute and take every chance. You never know what will make you advance,” said class President Jill Marie Jackson. “Make today just the beginning of everything to come.”

Valedictorian Prater reminded classmates to thank those who helped them get to “their day,” and started them out by thanking his own parents. “I’m honored to be following in your shoes,” he told his father, noting his dad was valedictorian of Dallas’ class of 1979.

Another graduate had more personal thanks for her dad. “Having my dad here was the greatest part,” said Samantha Kerpovich. Her father, Sean, is about four months into a yearlong National Guard deployment and was in Kuwait on Thursday.

“To have him fly all that way for me, that’s the greatest,” she said, her eyes tearing up. Her dad, still in desert fatigues, said it was close—his plane landed in Philadelphia around 2:30 p.m. Friday—but well worth the 18-hour flight.

“It was important for me to be here for Sam. I’m as proud as any parent can be to see my daughter graduate from high school and head off to Temple University,” Kerpovich said.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews

This story also appears on the following websites...