O’reilly Graduates Ready For The Future
KALEN CHURCHER
Thursday, June 15, 2000 Page: 21
The 30 minutes before graduation can be torture. In the lower level of
Wilkes-Barre’s F.M. Kirby Center, Bishop O’Reilly’s soon-to-be graduates lined
up in their processional places and then, with not much else to do, simply
thought.
Thought about their senior trip, their friends, where they’ll be a few
years from now and what they planned to do once caps were tossed and photos
snapped.
“I’m going to miss the people,” said a teary-eyed Ashlee Ferraro-Panatieri
of Kingston. “I’ve made such strong friendships with everyone, with the
students and even the faculty. They’ve all helped form who you are. It hurts
to know all of the good times you’ll be missing.”
Although not yet as emotional as Ferraro-Panatieri, Swoyersville’s Erin
Koscinski believed her emotions would at some point, get the best of her.
“I’m probably going to cry,” she said, managing a slight smile. “I was
excited at first this morning, but then I realized this is probably the last
time I’m going to see some of these people.”
Marching through the auditorium in a regal procession, the Bishop O’Reilly
Class of 2000 was met by applause and an army of camera flashes.
Although Mr. James J. Shields, a 1960 graduate of the school, provided the
official commencement address, it was the words of class valedictorian Andrew
Chambliss and salutatorian Michael Yashinski that evoked the larger response
from classmates.
“Four years ago we entered Bishop O’Reilly but a slab of marble,” said
Chambliss, “and now we proudly stand as finely sculpted individuals, hewn from
that rough exterior...Chiseled in knowledge and wisdom, we cannot help but
face our futures with poise and certainty.”
Expressing the need to meet life’s challenges head on, Chambliss expanded
on the words of Henry David Thoreau, of marching to the tune of a different
drummer.
“I charge you further,” he demanded. “Do not simply step to the beat of a
different drummer; rather walk, run, skip, hop, jump or crawl to the beat of
your heart, which is the only music worthy of your ears.”
Comparing the halls of Bishop O’Reilly to a second home, Yashinski praised
the school’s faculty for providing unique environments to accommodate the
various students’ needs.
“The teacher’s of Bishop O’Reilly are some of the most dedicated people I
have ever met,” he explained, “as well as some of the most caring. To me,
these teachers are the true O’Reilly Difference.”
But far beyond Yashinski’s gratitude to friends and teachers is his thanks
to the parents of each class member. “Today is one of those days when parents
can see the fruits of their labors in our achievements. Our success today
would buy nothing but a dashed dream were it not for our parents and for their
unconditional love. I express our gratitude and love in return.”
And after addressing the faculty, administration and parents, Yashinski
directed his final statements to his classmates.
“Although our four years together have been filled with high and low
points, remember that one must taste defeat before truly appreciating victory.
Well, this is our victory.”
TIMES LEADER/CHRIS ABRAHAM
After anxiously waiting for commencement exercises to begin, Bishop
O’Reilly seniors filled proudly into the F.M. Kirby Center.
The Bishop O’Reilly Class of 2000 was honored with a full house of friends,
faculty and family.
James Shields, a 1960 graduate of Bishop O’Reilly, served as the
commencement speaker.
While some students passed the time prior to graduation playfully, others
sat back and reflected on their years together.
Angela M. Jankoviak was one of more than 100 students receiving a diploma
from Bishop O’Reilly High School.
