Freeport seniors graduate with futures shining bright
BUFFALO TWP — Forging through two school years during a deadly pandemic and the untimely death of a member of the graduating class was enough to make Freeport Area High School Principal Mike Kleckner emotional as he congratulated students and their families on Tuesday night at commencement ceremonies.
Stopping several times to collect himself, Kleckner praised the 158 seniors for leaning on, lifting, supporting and caring for one another through the tough times.
“I hope you will take the time to reflect and look back on this time,” Kleckner said. “I'm proud of you, and you'll always be Yellow Jackets.”
The import of the occasion was not lost on the seniors as they took pictures of one another under the high school's sign before lining up for commencement.Twins Dennis and Madison Daugherty, son and daughter of Melissa and Dennis Daugherty, chatted with their proud family members and fellow seniors before the ceremonies began.“I'm sad, but I'm excited for what's to come,” said Madison, who will study early childhood education and special education at Slippery Rock University in the fall.Her brother was a little less introspective at the prospect of leaving his classmates and teachers.“I'm glad it's over,” Dennis said.
Grace Zuccolotto, daughter of Amy and Anthony Zuccolotto, was all smiles and a few nerves as she pinned on her mortarboard.“It is scary going forward and to continue my education, but I'm excited for the memories I've made and I'm looking forward to tonight,” she said.Grace, who will study biology at Kent State University, named chorus teacher Thomas Koharchic as an educator who made a difference during her tenure at Freeport Area School District.“He is incredibly supportive and always works to help people out when they need it,” she said of Koharchic. “He goes above and beyond to help students out.”Alec Asti, son of Mike and Shelly Asti, will attend Duquesne Honors College to study accounting.“I'm sad, but excited at the same time,” Alec said.He named Dana Roach, his accounting teacher, as a faculty member he will never forget.“She was really nice and helpful,” Alec said.
Anuj Lele, son of Milind and Anagha Lele, was a glistening ball of energy as he waited in the late afternoon sun to line up for commencement.“I feel great!” Anuj said. “I feel like a champion. It's been 13 years of hard work.”He cited physics teacher David Jones as an inspiring educator at Freeport.“I'll never forget his projects, his sayings and his personality,” Anuj said. “He's an overall great person indeed.”Anuj plans to study computer science at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall, but will always hearken back to his days at Freeport Area School District.“Really, it's the people who make the district great,” he said.Dan Lucovich, president of the school board, has enjoyed handing out diplomas at each commencement in his 16 years as a school director.But this year's ceremony held a special place in his heart.“In 1991, I gave my daughter her diploma,” Lucovich said. “This year, I get to give her daughter, my granddaughter, her diploma.”Ian Magness, Freeport superintendent, summed up the thoughts of all the students, families, faculty, and administrators at commencement on Tuesday night.“It's the best night of the year,” he said. “It's something all of our teachers and the school community celebrates.”
