Optimism runs high with Knoch graduates
SAXONBURG — The 222 graduates of Knoch High School's Class of 2009 are entering adulthood at a time when many people are losing their jobs, their homes and their hopes, which is enough to make anyone a little nervous.
However, the student speakers at the commencement ceremony Friday night, as well as many of their fellow students, know they can go out into the world without fearing the economy, thanks to their academic achievement and potential.
Sarah Robb reminded her classmates that the graduating class of 1929 made it through the Great Depression and the graduating class of 1941 made it through World War II.
"We don't need to fear the future, because we are the future," Robb said.
Brian Tackett told his fellow classmates they have power over the future.
"We have the potential to create a future that is better," Tackett said.
The class should have a lot of confidence thanks to its "championship success" on the PSSA assessment tests according to South Butler School District Superintendent Frank Prazenica.
Prazenica said the school scored an average 71 percent on the math section of the test, which was enough to increase the school's ranking from 38th to 24th among school districts statewide and place the class on the same championship level of the Steelers and Penguins.
Science teacher Ray Greco said the graduating class is excellent.
"I think that their accomplishments are a direct reflection of the quality of teachers of this school," Greco said.
The class' high academic achievement and community involvement is reflected in the amount of scholarships they received.
Assistant High School Principal Todd Trofimuk said the graduating class altogether received $1,731,875 in scholarships.With their high achievements and potential, the graduates feel unstoppable.Katie Chelko, who will attend St. Francis University for physical therapy, said the class speakers had good points and bad points about the economy, but overall, she is not worried."I think it will all work out eventually," Chelko said.Isaac Hollenberger also is not worried about the economy. He is going to take some time off before training to become an electrician."I think we will pull out," Hollenberger said.Hannah Holmes, who will be attending Butler County Community College in the fall for general courses before continuing to Slippery Rock University or Indiana (Pa.) University for fine arts, is more worried about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan than the economy."If you really want to work, you can find work," Holmes said. "... you can succeed if you put your mind to it, no matter what."
