London class of ’11 graduates

Fran Odyniec - Staff

Members of the London High School Class of 2011 line up outside the school’s gymnasium for their walk into the future.

Editor

“As our time comes to a close… Congratulations. We did it!”

Those were the parting words Alexis Wilson, class president, gave her classmates of London High School’s Class of 2011 Sunday afternoon as they became the 141st class to graduate.

In her class president’s response, Wilson said, “We will always be linked to this day. This moment we will forever cherish together. Whatever you can dream, begin it.

“Be bold. We have nothing to lose but everything to gain.”

London Schools Superintendent Steve Allen advised the 125 graduates not to “go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. Now, more than ever, we need positive contributors, not takers. You have that ability. That’s the type of citizen the world needs today.”

Allen concluded his remarks by saying, “Today symbolizes a beginning. Your time has come. This world needs your very best.”

A good 40 minutes before the start of the ceremony, most of the seats in the gym had been taken.

As the faculty prepared to enter the gymnasium to start the ceremony, teachers lined up before the doors to the left of the school’s trophy case.

“I think what touches me the most on a day like this, are the students who struggled to make and made it.” said Pauline Swan, assistant principal. “We hope all the students will be successful in their future endeavors with what our school has provided them over the last four years.”

“They’re a good group of kids,” said Dana Snyder, agricultural education teacher. “I hate to see them go. It’s bittersweet, but it’s exciting to see them reach this point and embark on new adventures.”

Rick Dumolt, word history teacher, indicated that there was a rather high level of energy back in the classrooms where the graduates were donning their caps and gowns.

“It’s exciting,” he said after taking his place in line. “It’s the hard work and excitement of the kids.”

He added with a laugh, “I’m a little nervous myself.”

“This is their ultimate goal,” offered Jimmy Wolverton, intervention specialist. “It’s a very special day. We hope we helped them progress and that they take life lessons with them.”