Hundreds of northern Blair County students will be tossing their caps, tassel and all, into the air as graduation ceremonies at Tyrone Area and Bellwood-Antis begin to get underway.
This evening, Bellwood-Antis will hold Baccalaureate at the auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. Commencement is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Bellwood Memorial Stadium.
The scheduled speaker is Justin McCall, a 1994 Blue Devil graduate who is now employed as an attorney at a large law firm in Pittsburgh.
According to B-A High School principal Mike Sakash, the graduation numbers are a little lower this year than in years past. He said normally, between 110 – 120 seniors graduate. This year, 100 will receive their diplomas.
The 2004 Bellwood-Antis Valedictorian is Rebecca Snyder. This year’s Salutatorian is Lauren Otto.
“It’s been an academically great year,” said Sakash. “The seniors this year were truly great students and it’s going to be tough to replace them.
“I wish them all well.”
Mr. Gary Crowell, a decorated Marine, a state cabinet officer and a homeland security agent is the scheduled principal speaker for Tyrone’s 123rd graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium.
At the school’s first graduation ceremonies in 1881, Tyrone graduated one student, Claude Jones. This year, 153 seniors will be receiving diplomas.
Salutatorian Daniel Domenick will deliver a talk titled “Reflections At Commencement.” Salutatorian Tyler Rickards will introduce Mr. Crowell and Valedictorian Teresa Fernandes will deliver the farewell address.
“The class of 2004 has been a ‘one of a kind’ group,” said Tyrone Area High School Principal Rebecca Erb. “They have demonstrated many talents both individually and collectively through their achievements in academics, athletics, community service, as well as the performing arts.
“I look forward to hearing about the continued success of this group of TAHS graduates in their future endeavors,” said Erb.
She also thanked the district’s teachers and parents for their dedication “in helping to mold this fine group of young Americans.”
The Tyrone High School Band under the direction of Kris Laird will provide processional and recessional music. The Senior High Choral Department under the direction of Catherine Young will present a vocal selection featuring seniors titled “You Raise Me Up.”
