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Published: Saturday, June 9, 2007

Storm fails to foil ceremony

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The class of 2007 logged 6,499 hours of community service in their high school careers.

By ANGIE SCHMITT

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — Without question, Chaney High School's 107th commencement was probably one of the most unusual in school history.

The ceremony was interrupted by an intense storm Friday afternoon.

Graduates, their friends and families spent a few tense moments in the shelter of Stambaugh Auditorium's basement. Under the circumstances, it might have been a disappointing day. But 45 minutes later, students, faculty and their parents picked up where they left off and granted 127 students diplomas as planned.

For Principal Robert Spencer, it was another example of the quality of the Class of 2007.

"All year long, we've had fire alarms go off," he said. "Bells went off when they shouldn't, and bells didn't go off when they should. This class accepted everything and went on to become excellent."

Chaney High School underwent renovations and expansions this year. Despite the interferences, however, the class earned more than $1.3 million in scholarships and grants. Spencer said he expects that figure to grow as the summer wears on.

Top recipients included Candace Okello, $111,640, and Taneesha Thomas, $78,965, and Jaslyn Hopkins, $78,965. Okello is bound for Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. Thomas and Hopkins will attend Ohio State University.

Valedictorian Josh Staton, who also is OSU-bound, collected more than $19,000 in assistance.

Staton took the floor after the crowd's return from the shelter of the auditorium's basement.

"Our future is whatever we want it to be," he said. "We will become the doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers and even politicians."

He added a sentimental note on his experiences at Chaney.

"Let us not let go of the times of the past and the experiences that have molded us," he said. "These times and experiences have made us who we are."

Fifty Choffin Career and Technical students were part of the group awarded Chaney diplomas, Spencer said.

Community service

He and other speaking faculty emphasized the importance of values and community ties.

"Chaney seniors alone have contributed over 6,499 documented hours of volunteer service in community projects," Spencer said. "One of our students, Craig Moton, volunteered 1,738 hours. Ashley Macklin has volunteered over 3,500 hours since she entered school."

Dean Edna Douglas congratulated students on surviving four years of nagging about the school's dress code.

To parents, she said, "You can be sure you send them into the world well equipped and well dressed."

For students, she added, "I hope you will remember the values you learned from your teachers at Chaney."

Saturday, June 9, 2007