sunday dispatch grad tab

8/6/2019 Sunday Dispatch Grad Tab

1/23


2/23

PAGE

2

SPECIALSECTION

,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,2011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

A heavenly spring eveninggreeted students and supportersalike as Wyoming Areas forty-fifth annual commencement cer-emony began. The Class of 2011,donning anxious smiles, gath-ered under the sun-drenched skyat theAnthony Jake Sobeskista-dium. Each girl carried a whiterose as Pomp and Circum-stanceechoed through the stadi-um andthe graduates made theirway to the renowned big stage.

Class president Nick Peruginioffered a commanding welcomethat brought the audience to areverent silence.

A sense of humility resonatedwithin Peruginis voice, his loveof Wyoming Area quite evidentthrough his words.

Macawley Browns No LongerStudying for the Test rekindledfond memories that sparkedlaughter from the graduates and

audience alike.

Linnae Homzas As We MoveOn was an encouraging write

about the limitless potential ofeach individual.

SamScotts The Life I Choseoffered a first-person perspectiveabout the paths a person maychoose to traverse in life. Ulti-mately, each individual is incharge of his or her own destiny.While we do have a chance to re-cover from the less-than-ideal de-cisions we make, we must re-member to live without any re-grets and to learn from our mis-

takes.The chorus, directed by Ms.

Leonarda Sperrazza, crooned anangelic rendition of I Wish YouWell, My Friend before Mr. Ray-mond Bernardi gave the com-mencement address.

Trueto its usual core message,the address prompted the gradu-ates to appreciate their parentsand guardians, and to realize thesacrifices that others have made

PHOTO BYTONY CALLAIO

The traditional tossing of mortarboards into the air concludes the Wyoming Area 2011 Commencement ceremony at Jake Sobeski Stadium in West Pittston.

Sun shines brightly on WA Class of 2011By Debbie Gross

WA Class of 2011


Zachary Troy illustrates what its all about: the Class of 2011.

See SUN, Page 6


3/23

SPECIALSECTION,SUN

DAY,JUNE

26,2011

PAGE

3

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1


Femalemembers of theWyomingArea Class of 2011:Row 1:AliciaPalmentera,Samantha Scott,AmyNovak, KarisaCalvitti,Kourtney Schwendtman,BriannaMikolaichik,

Jillian Balberchak, Michelle Gitkos, KaylaBucci, Kaithlyn Oravitz, Katherine Scalzo, Rebecca Zielen,Eleanor Laffey. Row 2: Courtney Santee, AlexandraHritzak, Kayla

Menta,Danielle Miller, AleciaPanuski, Jennifer Borton, Sarah Connors, Desiree Reed,Maria Kelly, TiaSpagnuolo, Rachel Taylor, LinnaeHomza.Row 3: Zoe Martin, Krystal

Schmitz,Justine Mattie, Stephanie Vincent, Rachel Evans,AmandaEvans, BrittanyBubblo, Kayla Bardzel, Alyssa Cajka, HollyFerrence, Ashley Ellsworth,Jillian Krupsha,

Amber Trantham. Row 4:Michelle Golden,SarahMack, JacquieDElucca, SarahHallberg,Nikki Nardozzi, BrianneDeane,Megan Behan, Victoria George, SamPietsch,

Courtney Tokaryk,LaurenWysocki,Megan Yurek, AlainaGercak, AubreyWargowsky. Row 5: Allison Frisbie,Jessica Smalley, AmandaHamstra, Christy Michael, Sara

McGovern,Caitlin Bernoskie,ShandraJones,CassandraNaylor, Tiffany Hill, Elena Deangelo,Amber Davis, Tessa Ridilla. Row 6: LaurenDelucca, Jessica Dauber, KatieDructor, Haleigh Gennetts,Sydney Engleman, Samantha Space,NicoleGitkos, Caitlin Vitale, MarissaGreen, Janessa Sciandra, MacawleyBrown.Row 7:Sheila Patoka,

Michala Serfass, Debbie Gross,JenGunshore,MelissaEipper, Emily Perrino, Gina Gerchak, Brittany Spak, Stacie Terran, LindseyClarke, Jessica OLejnik, KaylaKross,AlyssaZekoski.


Graduationspeakersat the2011Wyoming Area highSchoolCommencementare: LinnaeHomza,Ma-

cawleyBrown,Nick Perugini, CarmenCiampi, DebbieGross,Samantha Scott.


AliciaPalmentera gives thumbs up signatWA Commencement.


4/23

PAGE

4

SPECIALSECTION

,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,2011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Ryan CareyWyoming Area

Congratulations Ryan

and the Class of 2011!

We LoveYou!

Love, Grammy, Papa Dave,Grandma, Papa Skip, Nana,

Aunts, Uncles & Cousins

Anthony

Guariglia, Jr.Pittston Area

Congratulations!

We love you and are

so very proud!

Best of luck at

Scranton U.

Dad, Mom, Angelo,Alyvia & Jimmy

Christopher

HromekWyoming AreaClass of 2011

Congratulations,

We are so

proud of you!!

Good luck at

Fort Benning, Georgia

Love,Mom & Nick

PHOTOS BYTONY CALLAIO

Summa Cum Laude grad-

uates in the Wyoming

Area Class of 2011: Row1:

Debbie Gross, Caitlin

Vitale, Rachel Taylor,Jillian Balberchak, Ma-

cawley Brown, Tia Spag-nuolo, Kayla Kross, Jes-

sica Dauber, Michelle

Golden, Karisa Calvitti.

Row 2: Samantha Scott,

Brianna Mikolaichik,Kayla Bardzel, Caitlin

Bernoski, Maria Kelly,

Jessica Olejnik, Linnae

Homza, Alaina Gercak,

Alecia Panuski, Alyssa

Cajka. Row3: Andrew

Ambruso, Robert Brzo-

zowski, Eric Werbin,David Dorbad, Alex Ells-

worth, Michael Tomas-

zewsi, Stan Timinski.

Row 4: Ronald Klepadlo,

Ryan Carey, Matthew

Kolbeck, Kevin Thornton,

Michael DeAngelo, Dust-

in Harris, Josh Carey.

Magna Cum Laude

graduates in the Wyom-

ing Area Class of 2011:

Row1: Brittany Bubblo,Kourtny Schwerdtman,

Kevin Anderson, ChrisMurphy, Nicholas Peru-

gini, Amber Trantham,

Alicia Palmentera. Row

2: Alyssa Zekoski, Mi-

chelle Gitkos, Devin

Alder, Tony Dominick,

Holly Ferrence, Amy

Novak. Row 3: SarahMack, Katherine Scalzo,

Everal Eaton, David

Wisowaty, Stan Yanik,Stacie Terron, Lauren

Wysocki.


5/23

SPECIALSECTION,SUN

DAY,JUNE

26,2011

PAGE

5

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Seated,lefttorigh t: W il liam J.W att,III,Esqu ire,Sam u el A . Falcone,Jr.,Esqu ire,Joseph F. Saporito,Jr.,Esqu ire and Carlo J. Saporito.

Standing,leftto righ t: Eileen Casper,Tracy Ciarim b oli,LeeA nn Sh ovlin,P atricia Su rvillaand Nicole Rinaldi.

D epicted in th eportraiti sth e late Joseph F. Saporito,Sr.,fou nderof th efi rm .

490 N.M a in St.,Su ite 202,P itts ton 654-4643

Attorneysa tL a w

C ongratulationsC lassof2010W ishin g You A llT he B estof Su ccess in You r F u tu re

295993


Cum Laude graduates in the Wyoming Area Class of 2011: Row1: Carmen Ciampi, Nicole Gitkos, Jennifer Borton, Brittany Spak, Melissa Eipper, Megan Yurek, Jen Gunshore,Robert Jones. Row 2: Mark Bugelholl, Joe Faciana, Sheila Patoka, Marissa Green, Aubrey Wargowsky, Ashley Ellsworth, Steven Artim, Andrew Laubach. Row 3: Xuan Kang,

Trevor Skene, PJ Bone, Randy McDermott, Brandon Borzell, Bobby Trusavage, Mark Pasta.


6/23

PAGE

6

SPECIALSECTION,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,2011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

MarkBastaWyoming Area

Congratulations and

the best of luck as

you move into your

college years at

Bloomsburg

Love,

Mom, Dad & Matthew

Samantha

HurttPittston Area

Congratulations!

Proudof you

Gram & Papa Joe

LouisDegnanHoly Redeemer High School

Congratulations Louis!

YOU DID IT!

Love,

Mom, Dad

& Serra

Matthew

ColianniOldForge High School

CongratulationsMatthew.

Good luck at

JohnsonCollege.

WeLoveYou,

Mom, Dad & Grandma


Male grduates of theWyoming Area Class of2011:Row 1:MichaelKowalski, Matthew Kolbeck, Stan Timinski, MichaelTomaszewski, Nicholas Perugini, RonaldKlepadlo,

CarmenCiampi, MarkBugelholl, Chris Hromek, Robert Janes,Steven Artim, JordanPringle, DevinAlder. Row 2: EricEramo, DonnyFlannelly, DavidDorbad,Palmer De-

nisco, Joey Kopetchny, AJLemardy, IanScrobola, ,Matt Vavrek, Xuan Kang, Zachary Troy, Eric Werbin, Ryan Carey. Row 3: Jared Coletta, JoeFasciana, Christopher Tigue,

Alex Ellsworth, MichaelDeAngelo, Jamie Burke, DavidThomas, Evan Musto, Nick Saurina,MichaelHiedacavage, John Ratajczak. Row 4: Chris Murphy, Bret Beemiller,

David Wisowaty,StanYanik,Dominic Cooper, Steve Scatena,Kevin Anderson,Robert Brzozowski, TylerKirby, DylanSmith,GeoffreyRobbins, Nicholas, Viccica. Row5: Kody

Nowicki, Dylan Reedy, Adam Sandroski, Larry Popovich,Richard Rose, Zach Meighan, BrandonBorzell, TrevorSkene,BobbyMessina, JoshuaGranteed, Everal Eaton. Row6: DavidDrahus, Chris Evans, DustinHarris, Anthony Richards,ThomasNeer, BobbyKane, TonyDominick, AndrewLaubach,HaydenHernandez,KevinThornton,Kyle

Colarusso, MarkBasta.Row 7:AndrewAmbruso, Eddie Kirk, JulianCampenni, KevinDushok, Mike Yakobitis, Mitch Payne, Taylor Palmer, Nick Blackburn,Josh Allan, Bob-

by Trusavage.Row 8: JoshuaCarey, RJDixon, DaltonFrancik, Shawn Rogers, PJ Bone, RandyMcdermott, TimSomers II,Zackary Kondra ski, GeneMizenko,KevinThomp-

son, RobRussick, EdwardKordish.

for their well-being.Mr. NicholasDeAngelo gavehis remarksto theclass immediately afterward.

Debbie Gross recited the classpoem, At This Moment, whichshe wrote to commemorate andcapture the emotion of the pre-sent, rather than to dwell on the

past or future.CarmenCiampi performed the

class song, Our Day is FinallyHere, an acoustically melodiccomposition that garnered astanding ovation.

Diplomasand awards were pre-sented before the ceremonycame to a successful close. TheAlma Mater resonated in the airas the graduates soared acrossthe football field, throwing green

and gold caps skyward. The at-mosphere was celebratory asdusk, friends, and family enve-loped the blissful students.

SUNContinued from Page 2


7/23

SPECIALSECTION,SUN

DAY,JUNE

26,2011

PAGE

7

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Kelsey

MundenarPittstonArea

Congratulations!

Good luck

at College.

Grandma

& Grandpa

Eric FayMonmouth University

Congratulations!

Youve accomplished

so much!

Good luck in grad school.

Love,

Mom, Dad

and Caitlin

ChristinaVarvaglione

(bottom)

Were proud of you!

Good luck at

Cabrini College

Love,Mom, Dad & Maria

FrancescaVarvaglione

(top)

Pittston Area Class of 2011

Congratulations

Francesca & Christina


Class Officers of the Wyoming Area Class of 2011: Michelle Gitkos VP, Nick Perugini Pres, Jillian Bal-

berchak SB Rep, Ronald Klepadlo Treas, Brianna Mikolaichik Sec.

Joe Fasciana, Michelle Golden, Stan Timinski clown around atWyoming Area graduation.

Dave Drahaus waxes philosophical at WA graduation.

Rachel Taylor shows her joy.


8/23

PAGE

8


26,2011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Samantha

WilliamsPittston Area

Im so very

proud of you!!!

Love,

Gram

Ashley

EllsworthWyoming Area

Finally, the next chapter

begins...

With Love and Luck,

Lora, Jerry, Lizz, Bethany,

Lenora & Olivia

Joseph F.

CoyneVPittston Area

Congratulations and

good luck at Wilkes!Love & Pride,

Mom, Dad & Family

Jessica

OlejnikWyoming Area

Congratulations &

Good Luck at Penn State!

We Love You!

Mom, Justin & Nicky

Rachel Taylor gives Michelle Golden a lift at Wyoming Area graduation.

Matt Vavrek plays to the crowd at Wyoming Area Commencement.

Cody Nowicki a face in the

crowd at WA Commencement.

292181

We Need Your Help!

Anonymous Tip Line 1-888-796-5519Luzerne County Sheriffs Office



9/23


26,2011

PAGE

9

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Were So Proud ofYou

Mom, Dad, Anthony, Grandma & Papa D.,

Grandma & Papa Cap.

Cara

CapozuccaPittston Area

Congratulations

and Good Luckat Kings!

Congratulations!

Good Luck at Pace, NYC

Love, Your Family

Mariah

Dunn

ScrantonPreparatory

On Friday, June17,the PittstonArea Class of 2011 said its finalgood-bye to a school district thatmany of them have spent 13 joy-ful years in. Due to the weather,the 45th commencement wasmoved inside.

As the graduates first gatheredin the gymnasium, there was arange of emotions from joy tosadness to excitement.The grad-uates sat in the bleachers of the

gymnasium in their lines eagerlyawaiting the start of the com-mencement ceremonies. Theythen watched the paradeof facul-ty march by and cheered withgratitude for one final time.

After the faculty made theirway up the steps towards the au-ditorium, the graduates followedbehind. Next, they entered theauditorium, where family andfriends proudly waited for them. The crowd applauded as theClass of 2011 made their waydown the aisle and took theirseats on stage.

Emily Zurek started the cere-

mony bysinging theNationalAn-them. The invocation was done by

Michael Szumski.Principal John Haas was the

Master of Ceremonies. Sara Kiel-basa welcomed everyone.

Senior class president JohnLombardo gave his remarks onthe senior class.

Superintendent George Cos-grove spoke to the senior classabout how never to give up and

always try you best.Valedictorians James Castelli-

no, Anthony Guariglia, VincentRiggi,and LetitiaWarunek spokeabout the Resolution: The RoadThat Lies Ahead.

The class poem My Classwas written byseniorRyanMaro-ni.

KelseyKnowlessang IWillAl-ways Remember You by MileyCyrus for the class song.

SeniorGuidance Counselor Ti-na Kayden didthe introductionof

Patriot Pride reigns at PA GraduationBy Cara Capozucca

Pittston Area Class of 2011

PHOTO BYBILL TARUTIS

Kendra Yakobitis, left, looks over at classmate Jillian Zaleski wiping a tear as their class poem is read

at the Pittston Area commencement.See PRIDE, Page10


10/23

PAGE

10

SPECIAL

SECTION,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,2011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Heather

MarsicoPittston Area

Congratulations Heather

Were so proud

of you and your

accomplishments.

Good luck at

Misericordia

Love,

Mom and Dad

TaylorPascoePittston Area

Congratulations and

Good Luck as you

design your future.

We are all so

Proudof you.

Jonathon JugusPittstonArea

CongratulationsandGood Luck at Kings

Love, Mom,Dad & Kira

honor students.School Board President Ter-rance Best gave remarks.

Vice Principal Arthur Savoki-nas presented the Class of2011while Mr. Cosgrove present-ed each student with their diplo-ma.

With the presentation of thelast diploma, many of the gradu-ates sent through the air numer-ous beach balls and had a greattimetossing themback andforth

to each other on the stage.Closing benediction was said

by Brian Pernot.John Lombardo then led the

class singing the alma mater and

finally came the tossing of thecaps. It was a sea of red, white,and blue that filled the auditori-um to end a very special night.

Many of the graduates now re-alize thatthis wastheir final high

school experience; however theyare anxious and excited to seewhat their future nowholds.Thepast four years has been filledwith many emotions and experi-ences, from first loves to fightsand from enjoying time withfriends to cramming for final ex-ams.

Onething is forsure, theClassof 2011 has made everlasting me-mories and friendships here atPittston Area High School.

No matter where they go orwhere they end up, members oftheClass of 2011 will always havePatriot Pride andwill always be aPatriot!

PHOTOS BYBILL TARUTIS

Graduate Kathleen Prest, right, gets a hug and flowers from her sister Kalista Armitage after receiv-

ing her diploma at the Piittston Area Commencement.

PRIDEContinued from Page 9

Anthony Passarella does a dance after receiving his diploma.


11/23

SPECIAL

SECTION,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,2011

PAGE11

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Billy PrestonScranton Prep

Congratulations Billy!

Were so proud of you!

Good luck at Kings!

Mom, Dadand Nicky

Selena

HapersbergerPittston Area

Congratulations Selena,


Love,

Grandma & Grandpa

Barbara

LaSotaPittstonArea

Congratulations to

our caboose.

We are soproud

of you!

Good luck.

Love,

Mom, Dad, NormBrothers& Sisters

Kelly E. RenferScrantonPrepratory School

NationalHonor Society

Best wishes at

West Chester UniversityAllOurLove, Mom, Dad,

Josh, Andrew & Justin

PHOTO BYNICK BUFALINO

Graduating with Honors in the Pittston Area Class of 2011: Thomas Adel, William Ardoline, William Balasavage, Jr., Mia Baldinucci, Tyler Baran, Tyler Baumen, Carly Bellas,Shelby Bentler, Amanda Boland, Jordan Bone, Brandilen Burke, Cara Capozucca, Maria Carone, James Castellino, Jenny Chaump, Angela Clark, Nicholas Collins, Whitney

Cooper, Joseph Coyne V, Ashleigh Crispell, Mariah Curtis, Bryana Darbenzio, Danielle Dorosky, William Elko, Ralph Emmett, Robert Falvo, Jonathan Forkin, Shannon Gil-

hooley, Miranda Godlewski, Anthony Guariglia, Brandon Hampton, Jennifer Hreha, Samantha Hurtt, Lyndsie Johndrow, Katie Joyce, Jonathon Jugus, Lindsey Karzenoski,

Sara Kielbasa, Kathryn Kitcho, Ryan Kochanowski, Ashley Kocher, Annarose Kosierowski, Brianna Kresge, Andrea Krevey, Matthew LaPorte, Matthew LaPorte, Michael

Lenchak, Taryn Leyshon, Frederick Lokuta, Brandon Lombardo, John Lombardo, Kyle Magda, Ryan Maroni, Heather Marsico, Danielle McDade, David McLean, Arturo Mejia,

Robert Meranti, Mitchell Miller, Ronald Musto Jr., Peter Nallin, Jessie Napkora, Thomas Nissen, Jacob Parrick, Aaron Pepe, John Poli, Cory Poplawski, Kathleel Prest, Keri

Promovitz, Vincent Riggi, Dominic Rinaldi, Joshua Savakinus, Rachel Scanlon, Alyssa Scatena, Erin Schneider, Frank Shannon, Destiny Simon, Alyssa Stella, Kaylene Sut-

kowski, Michael Szumski, Amanda Tracy, Megan Velehoski, Justin Wall, Letitia Warunek, Kendra Yakobitis, Emily Zielinski, Emily Zurek.


Pittston Area Valedictorians: Vincent Riggi, Letitia Warunek, James Castellino, Anthony Guariglia.


Christina Varvaglione moves her tassel to the other side after

receiving her diploma.


12/23


13/23


14/23

SPECIAL

SECTION,SUND

AY,JUNE

26,2011

PAGE15

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

RyanCareyWyoming Area

Congratulations Ryan,


Good luck at Misericordia

Love, Mom, Dad,

Mike & Lindsay

Everal

Eaton IVWyoming Area

Congratulations,

Everal Eaton IV

You never cease to

amaze us!

Good luck at

Wilkes University

Love,Mom, Dad & Biz

Christopher

HromekWyoming Area

Class of 2011

Congratulations,

You Did It!!

Mom & Nick

Co-valedictorian Letitia Waru-

nek gives her address.

Matt Wayno brought along his

headphones, just in case.

Christina Musto adjusts hermortarboard after receiving her

diploma.

Sara Kielbasa offers the wel-

come

John Lombardo offers senior

remarks.


Nicole Pitts, left, and Alisa Decker pose for a photo outside before

graduation.

Kaylene Sutkowski, right, gets a hug from cousin Lindsey Sutkowski after graduation in the lobby of

Pittston Area High School.


15/23

PAGE

16

SPECIAL

SECTIO

N,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,2011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Complete Comprehensive Dentistry For The Entire Family.Day & Evening Appointments Accepted

Authorized Supplier of

PERFORMANCE MOUTHGUARDS

113 New Street Pittston 654-5551

We Accept

CareCredit

Dr. Jeff Walker,DMD

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2011!

Magisterial Judge Fred Pierantoni

Congratulations

to all

Graduates!

If a man empties his purse into his mind

no one can take it from him.

- Ben Franklin


Pittston Area Class of 2011 Officers: President, John Lombardo; Vice President, Katie Joyce; Co-

Secretaries, Sara Kielbasa and Kelsey Knowles; Treasurer, Dominic Rinaldi.


Heather Marsico, left, and Letitia Warunek pose for a photo after

the Pittston Area graduation ceremony.

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1


16/23

SPECIAL

SECTION,SUND

AY,JUNE

26,2011

PAGE17

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Kingston 287-9631 Exeter 655-8801TV & APPLIANCES

Congratulations & BestW ishesTo AllG raduates

213622

Congratulations to All Area Graduates.Best Wishes for Success in Your Future.

Dr. Eugene R. DeMinicoPittston Chiropractic Clinic

Providing Quality NOT Quantity Chiropractic Care

Over 30 Years to the Wyoming Valley Area

American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists

Certied Chiropractic Sports Physician

84-86 S. Main St.

Pittston, PA570-654-0036

612 E. Main St.

Larksville, PA

570-779-7735

Voted Best

Chiropractor

210 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming301-7544

Facebook: www.facebook.com/[email protected]

CongratulationsClass of 2011!

WE ARE NOW OFFERING

11 YOGA and/or ZUMBA CLASSESfor 1/2 price to any 2011 Wyoming or Pittston Area Graduate (with this ad)

YOGA CLASSES (reg. $10 per class)Mon. &Thurs. 9:30 am & 6:30 pm

Wed. & Sat. 10:30 amwith instructor Marilyn Giambra

ZUMBA (reg. $6)Tues. & Fri. 5:30 pm

Wed. 7:00 pmwith instructor Molly Shannon

Offer expires Sept. 3, 2011 (must bring this ad)

Editors Note: The following is an ed-ited version of Kiels Eigens graduationnight speech to his classmates and theOld Forge community.

I havebeena Blue Devilmy entire life.It is all I have ever known.

I am convincedthat straight outof thewomb I had a blue pacifier in my mouthand was wearing a yellow diaper. Overthe years when I would talk to some

adults they would tell me, oh yeah I re-member when I was in high school justlike it was yesterday. I kept my mouthshut but inside I was saying, You arelike 50? What could you possibly re-member about high school?

As a graduating senior I now under-stand what they meant.

I still remember playing legos withKenny Paulish everyday in Kindergar-ten - tothisdayhe isstillmy bestfriend.I can still see and smell the lime greennailpolishthe spilled everywhereinside

Jade Talericos desk which she was notsuppose to have in first grade. In thirdgrade we sat side-by-side watching thetwin towers collapse. And I will neverforget when we were in Mr. Lehmkuhlsfourth grade class he gave us a blankmap with no states on it just right out ofthe blue. He told us to fill in the map.Each state was worth two points and itwas goingto bea test grade. I believethehighest grades in the class were 10s and12s, now I on the other hand got a two.

I knowwhat youre probably thinking,He got Pennsylvania right. Wrong. Donot ask me how or why but the onlystate I knew on that sheet was Texas.

Sixth grade now flashed before oureyes.Wefeltlikewe wereon top, like wewere big kids on campus. We werent lit-tle Kindergarten kids anymore. Nextthing you know we were in seventh

grade with seniors walking the samehalls as us. We went from being on top,to going back to being kindergartenersin the matter of a year.

High school was a new experience.New teachers, new surroundings, hav-ing lockers But the one thing thatstayed the same were my brothers andsisters on this stagetonight.Wewere alltogether.

Eighth grade came and yes you allknow where Im goingwiththis.On Sep-tember 12, 2006, I went to school justlike any ordinary day. Since it was gameday the freshman team got to wear our jerseys to school. In homeroom, Mrs.

Friends, family and Blue Devils for lifeBy Kiel Eigen

Old Forge HS, Class of 2011


Graduates Nicole Marianelli, left, Taylor Bennett, Rebecca Godusky, and Kiel Eigen react to an audiovisual presentation showinghighlights of their years in the Old Forge School District.

See BLUE DEVILS, Page 21

11

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1


17/23

PAGE18

SPECIAL

SECTIO

N,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,201

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

Con gratulation sto the Class of2011

M ay allyour dream s com e true!

48 S. Main St. Penn Park Bldg. Suite 506 Pittston

654-4626

BestofLuck!

Michelle L. GuarneriATTORNEYAT LAW

294504

Karmaa Craig EdwardSalon

Honest Thoughtful Hair Care

570-474-5757

105 South Main Road, Mountain Top

Find us on Facebook

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!


Jason Sniegowski fixes his mortarboard before the Old Forge graduation.

A group of Old Forge senior girls get together to pose for a picture

prior to commencement ceremonies.

Old Forge HS faculty, parents, relatives, and friends pack the audi-

torium for the 101st annual commencement.


18/23

011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1


19/23

PAGE20

SPECIALSECTIO

N,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,20 G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

FreeCheckingAccountincludes

FreeChecksFreeVisaCheckCardFreeHomeBanking&Bill PayerMy FirstLoan Program

Congratulations Graduates!

1460 Sans Souci ParkwayHanover Twp., PA 18706

377 Wyoming Ave. Box 4258Wyoming, PA 18644-0258

(570)693-0500 * (800)832-9328www.ufcwpa.org

570 Market StreetKingston, PA 18704

COLLEGE * ARMED FORCES * WORKFORCE

See UFCW FCU 1st !

Grads entering into:

Where will you cash your paycheck?Where will you get your 1st car loan?Where will you get affordable services?

401 Kennedy Blvd.Pittston, PA 18640

Take advantage of :

Old Forges Kiel Eigen shows off his dimploma after walkingacross stage to receive it from OF School Board President

Debbie DeSando.


Kara Nunes walks down the hallway atOld Forge High School as she gets readyfor graduation.

Above, and below, Graduates watch an audiovisual presentation

showing highlights of their class.

SPG R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1


20/23

PECIAL

SECTION,SUND

AY,JUNE

26,2011

PAGE

21

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1

www.VAntagetrustfcu.orgAvailableTo Most Residents Who Live,Work orWorship in Luzerne County

881 Mundy St.,Wilkes-Barre, PA

VA Medical Center Branch

2nd FloorVA Medical Center

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Nanticoke Branch

158 South Market St.,

Nanticoke, PA

Hughestown Branch

405 Laurel St.,

Hughestown, PA 18640 DriveThru Hrs

Mon thruThurs 7:30-5Fri 7:30-5:30

Main Office

Come visit us at one our four convenient locations or call today 800-749-5290

VAntage Trust Federal Credit UnionProviding Affordable Financial Services Since 1948

CONGRATULATIONS

TO

PITTSTON AREA

HIGH SCHOOL

ANDWYOMING AREA

HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2011

Garcia told Josh Dawson and I

to get more chairs for the classin the cafeteria. When we gotthere we saw Mrs. Lia, one ofthe elementary teachers. Shesaw me, gave me a hug andsaid, Kiel you look great. Icouldnt blame her there.

Afterschoollet outwe had togo down the field house to getready to leave for our game at

Western Wayne. I remember Iput my away message on the

computer to, There are onlythree things guaranteed in life,Death, Taxes, and Number 2

will always be open. AlthoughConnor (Fultz) disagreed.

First play, I make the tackle,and Im down for the count. As

you all know I broke my neckand ended up in Philly for totalof13 days. My classmatesmademultiple trips down to visit me.Every day it was someone new,and if they couldnt come they

would call or send a card. Samething when I was impatient atAllied for therapy. All hours of

the night people would bethere to see how I was doing.

After a long process you guysstayed by my side through ev-erything, and I am t rulyblessed to be with this seniorclass. Although Im in a chair

all of you treated me the sameas if I never got hurt, and I re-spect all of you for that. I willnever be able to repay you orthank you guys enough. Seniornight will stay with me untilthe day I die. I can still hear theSuperman chant over andover and the awkward silencein between.

In football, you guys votedme a captain and that meant a

lot t o m e. Even t hough Icouldnt be on the field withyou guys you still kept me in your hearts. To the superin-tendent, administration, boardof directors, faculty, family,friends,and theOld Forge com-munity, everything you guyshavedonefor meoverthe yearsI want to give a special thanksto you, and want you to know it

was very appreciated.In these past 13 years, we

have had our ups and downs,but we always got through it bysticking together. This maybe

the end of things but the way Isee it I lucked out because I got90 brothers and sisters in myfamily, and thats exactly what

we have been from Kindergar-den-12th grade.

We started as a family and

now were ending it the sameway.Thankyou again forevery-thing you have done for me andall of your support. If it wasntfor you I wouldnt have comeclose to the goals I have reac-hed. You were all of my motiva-tion for me to get better. I love

you guys to death. We will always be friends, Family, andBlue Devils for life.

OFHS Class of 2011 graduate Kiel Eigen will attend KingsCollegein thefallwhere hewill

study Pre-Law.

BLUE DEVILSContinued from Page17


Above right, Old Forge Class of

2011 President Bradley Vender

gives the welcome address.

At right, Rebecca Godusky, left,

and Maria Talarico share alaugh before commencement.

2011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1


21/23

PAGE2

2

SPECIALSECTIO

N,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,2

Enviable Outcomes...

ongratulations toSems class of2011! Leo J. Sperrazza Agency Inc.Leo J. Sperrazza Agency Inc.

Serving The Greater Pittston Area for over 20 years

See me for personal, professional service

21 Broad Street, Pittston, PA 18640

(570) [email protected]

to thePittston Area and

Wyoming AreaGraduating

Class of 2011


Melissa Hiller, left, Nicole Marianelli, Sabrina Brunozzi, Alexis Benson and Tianna Lettieri pose for a

photo taken by Joshua Evarts.

Dominick Avvisato, left, and Tony Goodall arrive at Old Forge High

School for the schools 101st annual commencement.

From left, Brandon Souryavong, Tony Goodall, Mario Martinelli,Kenny Paulish, Brian Palma, Kiel Eigen, Tim McGrath, Giovanni

Ripa, Bill Nocera, Brad Vender and Michael Long pose for a photo.

SPEG R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1


22/23

ECIALSECTION,SUND

AY,JUNE

26,2011

P

AGE

23

Serving The Greater

Pittston AreaSince 1971

www.highwayfcu.org

1843 Hwy. 315 Pittston 570-602-7400

AUTO

LOANS 3.99%

Rates startingas low as

Call For Pre Approval

Wyoming Seminary CollegePreparatorySchool celebratedits

167th Baccalaureate and Com-mencement on Saturday andSunday, May 28and 29, as126 se-niorsfrom nine states inthe Unit-ed States and eight other coun-tries completedtheir high schooleducations.

On Sunday, May 29, at 1 p.m.,Sem held its commencement ex-ercises on the Back Campus onNorth Maple Avenue, Kingston.Omeed Firouzi of Shavertown

gave the student address. Otherstudents who participated in theprogram included graduating se-niors Lauren Skudalski of Wyom-ing; Rebecca Hosey of Danville;and Jack Cartwright of Moosic.Renata ODonnell, a junior from Wilkes-Barre, rang the schoolsCokesbury Bell. The Bell TowerBrass performed music by Cam-pra, Frescobaldi, Gabrielli andGuy.

John M. Vaida, Chair of the

Sem Fine and Performing ArtsDepartment, gave the charge tothe graduates. Vaida described

his lifelong passion for teaching,

traveland music and encouragedthegraduatesto develop andnur-ture their own interests.

Each and every one of you

should have a passion for excel-lenceon a very personal level, herecommended. Doing the best

you can, constantly challenging

yourself, expanding your hori-zons and working hard to use your talents to the best of your

ability may not always win you amedal or even the recognition

you deserve. But truepassionforexcellence is a reward in itself -and that is the kind of passion Ichallenge you to pursue.

Dr. Kip Nygren, Sem presi-dent, presented awards whileBoardof TrusteesSecretary Mar- jorie Henry Marquart 78 award-ed diplomas.

Baccalaureate services wereheld at 5 p.m. on Saturday in theChurch of ChristUniting, Market

Street andSpragueAvenue,King-ston.Members of the Class of 2011

from the Greater Pittston areaare: Ashley Leigh Casterline,Exeter; Anna Corynne Charney,Harding; Steven William Go-dlewski, Pittston; Kelsey MarieGosselin, Old Forge; ChristaLynn Razvillas, Pittston; Chris-tian Andrew Santarelli, Pittston;Danielle Jean Sekel, Harding;Carly Elizabeth Sokach, West

Pittston; Marco Jason Valenti,Pittston; Jonathan Matthew Vojt-ko, Wyoming.

Greater Pittston grads in Sem Class of 2011

Wyoming Seminary graduates from the Greater Pittston area are seen prior to Baccalaureate and

Commencement. Standing, first row from left: Christa Razvillas, Pittston; Ashley Casterline, Exeter;

Anna Charney, Harding; Kelsey Gosselin, Old Forge; Carly Sokach, West Pittston; Danielle Sekel,

Harding. Second row, from left: Christian Santarelli, Pittston; Steven Godlewski, Pittston; Marco Val-

enti, Pittston; and Jonathan Vojtko, Wyoming.

2011

G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 1


23/23

PAGE2

4

SPECIALSECTIO

N,SUNDAY,JUNE

26,

121 South Main Street, Pittston 654-0067

Proud to be acknowledged by my peers as aPENNSYLVANIA SUPER LAWYER Every year since 2005.

Tis recognition is only given to 5% of the lawyers inPennsylvania by Philadelphia Magazine.

Providing Quality Legal Service to the People of Greater Pittston for 35 Years.

Wyoming Area, Class of 1969

University of Scranton, Class of 1973Temple School of Law, Class of 1976

Michael I. ButeraFrom the Law Offices of Attorney

Congratulations toWyoming Area, Pittston Area and all the

Graduates of the Class of 2011 You Did It!

Atty. Michael I. Butera and Michael S. Butera

Celebrating

35Years1976 2011

sunday dispatch grad tab

Documents