Twenty-two graduate from PI Academy

May 24, 2013 Editor

More than 200 people attended graduation ceremonies May 16 at the Millersburg gymnasium for the 22 graduates of Presque Isle Academy.

2113-pi-academy — GRADUATES FROM Presque Isle Academy received their diplomas May 16. Front from left are Felicia Rusch, Bella Herhold, Olivia Skrine, Megan Shananaquet, Ashley Wilton, Katie Sage, Mackenzie Carter and Megan Smith. Back from left are Alex Nicoletti, Tyler Olde, Kris Hollenbaugh, Emanuel Porter, Brandon Reber and Dominic Raber. Missing from the photo are Michael Covey, Justin Parrott, Kris Zinke, Breanna Crooks, Chaz Jankowiak, Eddie Slanec, Adam Richards and Stephanie Malenfant. (Courtesy Photo)

Academy director Rick Bongard congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments including community projects, charity events and participation in the underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV) competitions. “You have made this school better than it has ever been,” said Bongard.

Senior speakers were Tyler Odle and Felicia Hurley. Odle, a student who dropped out of high school to get a job a year earlier, discovered how difficult advancement is without a diploma. Tyler returned this year and worked harder than ever to ensure he earned his diploma, “If I could share any advice, it would be to finish school no matter what. Never quit working at it and never give up!”

Felicia Rusch was the second speaker. She complimented the staff and said, “I would recommend this school to anyone, you can be yourself without anyone judging you and the teachers are always there to help whenever you need it,” Rusch overcame a tough situation and drew strength from one of her friends at the Academy who told her “When life knocks you down, look up, get up and don’t ever give up.” Both Student speakers did an excellent job giving heartfelt and honest speeches.

The commencement speaker was Kammie Dennis who has been the board chair at the Academy for many years. She spoke about the early days of the Academy and continued need for an alternative school in Presque Isle County. She told the students about Dr. Stan Delidow, who passed away in late January. Delidow was the driving force in getting the Academy off the ground.

Later Dennis reminded the kids that their attitude would take them farther than anything else, “treat people nicely and work hard at whatever

you choose to do.” Following Mrs. Dennis’ speech, the graduates watched a slideshow that drew a lot of emotion from the audience. People cheered and yelled out because this was a very big accomplishment indeed.

After the slide show, Mr. Bongard returned to the microphone recommended the students for graduation and passed out the diplomas. The crowd gave the graduates a standing ovation as they exited the gymnasium to the sound of the Olympic Theme Song. Proud parents, family and friends shared time with the graduates afterward as they enjoyed a buffet provided by Manzana’s Restaurant of Onaway.