Greater Nanticoke Area Graduates Reminded Of Their Blessings
MATTHEW G. SOLOVEY
Tuesday, June 13, 2000 Page: 2-11
Greater Nanticoke Area graduates reminded of their blessings
The Greater Nanticoke Area Class of 2000 looked forward to the future
during graduation held Wednesday, June 7 at the high school stadium. But they
also looked back, as they remembered classmate Justin Pehala who was killed in
a car crash two years ago.
Pehala, who had a love for baseball, was remembered by his class earlier in
the day with the planting of a tree behind the home dug-out at the high school
baseball field. Teresa Galicki, treasurer of Class of 2000 remembered Pehala
in her invocation.
“May God bless Justin Pehala,” Galicki said. “He was our friend, classmate,
and we shall always hold a special place for him in our hearts.”
Galicki, who wrote a poem for the ceremony, also told her classmates how
blessed they are.
“We truly have been blessed to be here today,” she said. “We are blessed to
be able to face the unpredictable future and take the next step in our lives.
Truly, we have been blessed for our families who have supported us. We are
sincerely blessed for the teachers that have given us our education today.”
Class of 2000 Vice President Ronald Bruza welcomed the crowd of family and
friends. “Let’s not look at today as the last page of a book, but the first
page of a novel yet to be written,” Bruza said. “The hard work of the people
in front of me today makes me proud to say I am a Trojan.”
Jeremy Baer, president of the National Honor Society presented an
inspirational message.
“For some of us, the pure enjoyment of this journey in our lives has made
it difficult to leave this stage go, and other feel our fun times are to be
left in special places in our hearts we have made for them, and we are ready
to move on,” Baer said. “Whether we are ready to leave the good times go or
not, the time to celebrate our days together is now.”
Baer also gave his graduating class some advice.
“No matter which direction is chosen, we must understand that the only way
not to cheat ourselves is to make education a life long journey,” he said.
“Education is a life long process that ends only with our own demise. But
before that time comes, it is up to us to be open to all those paths to wisdom
and to embrace them with our hearts.”
Superintendent Anthony Perrone’s speech focused on positive thinking.
“You are going out into a world where opportunities are endless,” Perrone
said. “What is life? To me it’s a process: growth, change, life and death. We
must develop all aspects of our person if we’re going to reach our potential.
We must have common sense, not just facts. Fear is always related to what we
feel inside. It’s our inhibitor. A successful person is a person who doesn’t
have fear.”
Class of 2000 President Jennifer Blasi also gave an address to the
graduates, highlighting other graduations experienced while growing up.
“Basically, our first graduation was the time when we made the transition
from crawling around to walking and touching everything in reach,” Blasi
explained. “This, by far is the biggest step in our life. But bigger steps are
soon to follow.” Blasi then instructed her classmates to stand and applaud
“those who supported, loved and guided us to where we are today.”
Class Valedictorian Lena Galicki shared many of the good times the class
has had, including many “lasts” experienced this year.
“Near the end of our senior year, we began to realize that it was coming to
an end; that we would most likely never see each other again after
graduation.” Galicki said. “We will all be moving on with our lives going to
different colleges throughout the state and nation. We will always remember
these “lasts” and the many other significant events that we have gone through
together.”
High School Principal John Gregorowicz said he was proud of the Class of
“As principal, I would be very quick to point out that you certainly rank
as one of the best senior classes of my 36 year career,” Gregorowicz said.
“74% of you are furthering your education. You have received over a million
dollars in scholarships. And you have produced many fine achievements during
your high school years. In each and every instance you made me proud that you
were members of our student body. As a class you certainly paved the way for
G.N.A.”
Gregorowicz also addressed the parents. “To your parents, grandparents and
relatives I say, don’t they look great here on the field on this beautiful
day? Isn’t it wonderful to see them in a hat that can’t be turned backwards? I
congratulate you on raising your children well.”
The last speaker before the awarding of the diplomas was Sylvia Mizdail,
president of the board of education.
“With your diplomas you pass through the gate into the grown-up world,”
Mizdail said. “Your destiny will be in your hands. How will you shape it? Do
not be intimidated and do not forget the goals you made for yourself.”
After the presentation of diplomas, Joseph Patrick, Class of 2000
secretary, gave the benediction.
