While addressing his Falls High classmates, co-valedictorian Joseph Toninato summed up Sunday’s graduation ceremony, “my fellow graduates, we’re done.”
Toninato, co-valedictorian Stephen Anderson, and salutatorian Sarah Manka all spoke at the ceremony congratulating and encouraging the group of FHS 114 graduates.
“Our high school diploma gives us great opportunity,” Anderson said. “With it, we are able to dictate our own future.”
Anderson added the class of 2011 has a responsibility to do great things and make smart choices — not only themselves, but to everyone who helped them reach the milestone.
“Each one of you is able to use your ability and your knowledge to do great things,” Anderson advised his peers. “FHS has given us all the opportunity to do something with our lives, so let’s go out into the world and do something great.”
Toninato encouraged his fellow students to look back on the memories created at Falls High and to cherish them.
“Smile when you remember this school. Smile when you remember Mr. Casareto’s class. Smile when you remember hockey games against Fort Frances. Smile when you remember how we figured out how to get passed the Internet block,” he said with a smile. “Memories created at Falls High School will always follow us.”
Toninato concluded on a hopeful note that the graduating class of 2011 has a future full of memories much like those made at Falls High.
Manka acknowledged the camaraderie her class shared after 13 years together.
“This class has always managed to come together in times of great difficulty and pulled through,” she said. “We’ve made it this far together and I have no doubt we’ll make it out there.”
Superintendent Jeff Peura also reminded the graduates that they are the future of America and that their gifts and talents learned in high school will make them better people.
“Whatever do you do in life, do it with integrity. Wherever you go, go as a leader. Whoever you serve, do it with care. And whatever you dream, give it your all.”
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