Presque Isle Academy graduates eleven students

Thursday, May 20, was a major milestone for Presque Isle Academy (PIA) graduates and their families. More than 150 people attended graduation ceremonies held at the Millersburg gymnasium.

Academy director, Rick Bongard, spoke to the graduates about their accomplishments and overcoming adversity. He told the graduates to prepare a new goal for themselves and let nothing interfere with reaching it, stating ?The only helping hand you can count on in the future is the one at the end of your own arm?.

After wishing the graduates good lives, Bongard asked the senior speakers to come up onstage. The first speaker was Carolyn Pipitone who shared her message of ?a new start? quoting Ronald Reagan, ?We were meant to be masters of destiny, not victims of fate.

The second speaker, Katelyn Stevens shared her personal story about what brought her to PIA, what the school has meant to her and how grateful she was to have been given a second chance.

The last student speaker was Savannah Bischer. Savannah spoke about her difficulty in math and falling behind in credits at her former school, ?When my Mom became ill, I was able to go to school parttime. The teachers at the academy prepared lessons for me to do at home so I wouldn?t lose credits.? All of the speakers thanked their families and teachers for their endless support.

The guest speaker of the e

vening was Dr. Stan Delidow. Delidow began his speech by explaining what he believed the future would be like for the graduates. ?Your world will be ever changing; you will have many different jobs and go through constant training to adapt to the shifting workforce requirements. The careers at the factory have all but dried up, yours will be one of advancing technology that will require various skill sets.?

The lights were dimmed and the slide show began. Pictures from the past and present made the audience smile and cheer as they watched the stories of the graduates lives unfold through photographs.

Bongard returned to the microphone, recommended the students for graduation and passed out the diplomas. The crowd gave the graduates a standing ovation. Proud parents, family and friends shared time with the graduates afterward as they enjoyed a buffet of hors d? oeuvres, refreshments and cake prepared by Manzana?s Deli of Onaway.