Montrose grads told to keep growing

BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Correspondent

Montrose Area held its 137th Graduation ceremony on Saturday where 113 graduates received their diplomas.

Class President Konstantinos Konstas reminded the Class of 2015 that they have had three principals, three assistant principals, and six Spanish teachers during their time at Montrose.

He spoke about how proud he is of the group and what they have learned, but made it clear that they aren’t done yet. “Today is just a small stepping stone to a potentially glorious future.” He encouraged his classmates to “Do more.” He urged them to “Keep growing, keep expanding, and never stagnate.” He then thanked them for being good friends and supporting him through two particularly difficult times in his life. “Keep making me proud, keep making your family proud, and keep making each other proud.”

Salutatorian Joseph Vaccaro described his classmates as friendly and welcoming. Moving to Montrose from Maryland, he was nervous to be “the new kid” and fondly recalled being welcomed by the teachers and students who made him feel like he belonged and for making that transition easier.

He implored his classmates to remain friendly and welcoming as they go their separate ways to start new adventures where they will all be the new kid. “Wherever you go, I can only hope that your new life is as strange and wonderful and welcoming as Montrose is.”

Valedictorian Jeffrey Zuber reminisced about how far the class has come since kindergarten. He talked about overcoming personal hurdles and referred to a serious knee injury that required several operations, physical therapy, and a long recovery. He said it was the hardest thing he has ever endured, but he wouldn’t change it because it made him stronger and more appreciative of what he has. “Hurdles are not meant to limit you, but make you so much more capable of handling anything you come across. You should be thankful for what you have, in order to keep yourself in check, but you should never be content.”

He advised them to live out their dreams by going for their goals. “Every, single person has his or her chance to leave their mark on the world. When you look back, you can say one of two things, ‘I did what I wanted to or I wish I did.’ I urge you today to take the high road. Acknowledge what you have accomplished and be thankful for it, but always move forward.”