SRHS Class of 2019 'made a difference'
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock High School graduated 156 seniors in its 2019 class Friday night at Slippery Rock University's Morrow Field House.
Graduates Shayna Lindey and Joshua Latoza stood next to each other in line.
“It feels kind of crazy, but also exciting,” Lindey said.
Lindey will go on to Slippery Rock University in the fall to study early childhood and special education. She said she was inspired by a cousin who has autism.
“I've always had a passion for teaching and being around children,” she said.
Latoza said he plans to attend a trade school in Johnstown. He said he feels compelled by the welding trade and sees great potential in the future of the profession.
“I take that seriously because we need a lot of welders,” he said.
Latoza said Slippery Rock High School prepared him and his classmates not only for the next step but also for the reality of the world.
“Life hits you like a brick wall, but you know you can get over it,” he said. “(School) really helped you understand what you use in this world.”
As the graduates entered in their red and white gowns and decorated mortarboard caps, parents filling the bleachers to capacity beamed with pride.
Kristen Czubiak, high school assistant principal, said she grew into her position with this class, having joined the administration four years ago. She said there is something special about the 2019 graduating class.
“I see so many smiling faces out there,” she said. “It has been my pleasure to get to know all of you. You have been a positive force in the building.”
Graduate Ashley Rodgers, the class salutatorian, said the school helped her class discover their unique qualities and how to use those qualities to change the world.
“I'm so blessed to be part of such a hard working and outgoing group of classmates,” she said. “We are all going to make a difference in some way.”
Graduate Oliver Valera, the valedictorian, has already earned 21 college credits through classes at SRU during his senior year.
“I think we can all agree that humans are a curious bunch,” Valera said.
He said the world is on the brink of great feats in technology and other advances, and he knows that he and his classmates can do their parts in making those leaps a reality.
“We're on the verge of some pretty big changes,” he said. “It's important now more than ever to keep an open mind.”
Before the graduates received their diplomas, superintendent Alfonso Angelucci presented the Class of 2019.
He acknowledged that the group of graduates had been awarded $1,304,850 in scholarships and awards, before wishing them well on their journey ahead.
“That's a tribute to your hard work and dedication,” he said. “When I think of your class, I think of a class that made a difference.”
