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Greater nanticoke area commencement

JANINE UNGVARSKY Times Leader Correspondent

NANTICOKE – Before the applause, the singing and the cheers, there were tears for the 188 newest graduates of Greater Nanticoke Area Senior High.

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Nikki Jezewski, treasurer for the GNA class of 2009, wipes away tears as she refers to three classmates during commencement exercises. The classmates died before they could graduate, and the black-and-white ribbon on her gown was in their memory.

DON CAREY/THE TIMES LEADER

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Every member of the class of 2009 wore a blue-and-white-striped ribbon pinned to the front of their gown, and a tearful class treasurer Nikki Jezewski explained why.

“They are for the three classmates we’ve lost, Patrick Tnczea, Michael Beck and Eddie Rowinski,” Jezewski said. “It doesn’t seem fair that they can’t be here, but now we have someone to watch over us,” she said.

Several speakers remembered the boys, who classmates said died during their freshmen, sophomore and senior years, respectively. “Our three classmates that left us too soon showed us that life is short,” said class President Stanley Hughes, but also made the class a family.

“I always thought we’d look back on our tears and laugh, but I never thought we’d look back on our laughter and cry,” said co-valedictorian Rachael Gavin.

Fellow valedictorian Timothy Accurso also commented on the bittersweet nature of a graduation. He offered a “recipe” for raising children that took graduates through some of the highlights of their high school career, from their pre-school days to senior experiences like a new dress code that began in the middle of their senior year.

“That’s when I felt like a graduate, after T.J. Accurso’s speech, all the memories he brought back,” said Josh Victor moments after the new grads gathered at the flagpole to throw their caps.

“I have mixed emotions, happy and sad. I’m going to miss my close friends,” Victor said as he hugged a classmate, “and I’m going to miss the faculty and all the people at GNA.”

“The silly string — that was definitely the best part!” said Carissa Patts. She said the ribbons of string and beach ball that bounced over the graduates as they sang the class song, “I Won’t Back Down,” by Tom Petty, was her favorite part of the day.

“The first and the last days of senior year, those were my favorite parts of the year. The first day because you’re finally going to be a senior, and the last because now you’re a college freshman, but there was a whole whirlwind in between. I feel amazing!” Patts said.

Keepsake edition

For more photos and a list of graduates, check out the special graduation section to be published on July 4.