The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
MILESTONE REACHED
Class of 2017 marks first group of seniors to graduate in new building
A 2017 Lorain High School graduation ceremony gathered the community close to honor the new schools first graduating class.
432 students walked across the stage inside the state-of-the art building which opened in August. It reverberated with cheers and applause often.
Blue and white flowers decorated archways and the stage.
Principal Robin Hopkins allowed hats to be decorated this year, so many graduates crowned themselves with colorful statements. Lorain Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham said technology and a need for an upgraded sound system at the stadium played into the decision to move the ceremony into the gymnasium.
Early in the afternoon, rain
“Timely, invested, tolerant, accountable, and noble.”
— The Lorain Titan mantra
threatened, he said. So he made the decision to move the venue. By 9 p.m., a steady rain vindicated the decision.
Graham introduced kindergarten students as a reminder to graduates of how far they have come.
Valedictorian Jeremiah Jackson congratulated every graduate for being strong enough to overcome obstacles along the way.
He said his parents and family have always supported him.
“High school may be over, but please remember this is not the end,” Jackson said, adding many more friendships await them in life.
“Continue to do great things in life,” Jackson said. “Every moment from this day on is the real test you have been studying for all your life. Remember this is not the end.”
Graduate Sly Worthy, president of National Honor Society and captain of the football team, aspires to be a teacher at Lorain High School.
“Today, together, we are closing the doors of the past and opening the doors to the future,” Worthy said. “For now, can we forget about the future so we can relish the memories that we made?”
For example, he reminded them of when they were juniors at Southview High school and were voted as a Fox 8 Cool School, but a pipe exploded, so they were the only school in the country with a water park inside. The crowd laughed. “The legacy that we made here will last forever,” Worthy said.
Graduate Mayra Kodman recommended keeping a childlike heart and developing creativity.
Kodman set her sights on a career as a pilot. She spoke of technological advances and a world on the verge of affordable space travel.
Graduate Arianna Horton reminded classmates the future is in their hands.
“We will decide what we will do with it,” Horton said. “We, the Class of 2017, have to keep the ball rolling. Take advantage of opportunities in front of us.”
Horton also advised removing all negative thoughts of not being successful.
“I’m proud of all students who thought they would never make it,” Horton said, “but with a fire burning in their hearts, they made it through it.
“I am the future,” Horton said. “You are the future. We are the future.”
Principal Robin Hopkins appreciated the Class of 2017, and reminded them of high points of their accomplishments, such as serving as a buddy for a Special Olympian, or manifesting their style by leaving a mark on the building with balloons in a stairway and a luau.
“Time never stops,” Hopkins said. “Although the past four years have flown by, the next years are critical. Invest in yourself, because you are worth it. Don’t cheat yourself.”
She asked them to repeat with her the Titan mantra: Timely, invested, tolerant, accountable, and noble.
“Go into the world and own it,” Hopkins said.