MAR LIN - When thanking their teachers and supporters, one representative of the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29's Class of 2014 stepped up to the microphone while another talked with her hands.
"Welcome to our special day. On behalf of all the seniors graduating today we would like to thank everyone who has touched our lives at one time or another. We will cherish the days we had together at the Maple Avenue Campus," Gabriel Acinapura, Pottsville Area, said before a crowd of more than 100 at the campus gymnasium Thursday morning.
Next to him was Sapphire Kothe, North Schuylkill, who relayed the message using sign language.
A total of nine students will graduate from Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 this school year, according to Paula Hromyak, principal at the Maple Avenue Campus, who hosted commencement.
Six of them turned their tassels at the event Thursday. Among them were Mike DeFrank, Williams Valley; Christopher Klouser, Pine Grove Area; Acinapura; Kothe; and Nathaniel Sullivan, Tamaqua Area. The school did not have parental permission to publish the name of the sixth.
The other three graduates will participate in commencement ceremonies at their respective schools. They are Gavin Curtiss, Tamaqua Area, and Justin Lederer and Tyler Zimmerman, both of Pottsville Area.
"Today we celebrate the graduating Class of 2014. They have brightened our days with their smiles. We have watched them grow into young adults. There are so many memories and stories that have been made and as staff we are blessed to have been part of them. All of our graduates will truly be missed," Hromyak said.
Instead of bringing in one guest speaker, the administration asked various teachers to say a few words about each graduate, Hromyak said.
Teacher Jane Yeasted spoke about Acinapura.
"Congratulations, Gabe! As you graduate, Gabe, promise us that you use your gifts and intelligence to better this world because you certainly possess both of these," Yeasted said. "You have the ability to succeed because you're a hard worker, as you have demonstrated by being a part of the work-mentor program both in and out of school. I have watched you in the school restaurant, cleaning, prepping food and serving the staff with kindness and dedication. If you continue to use these talents after graduation, you will become the young man that we all know that you can be."
Teacher Lori Horst talked about Sullivan.
"First I would like to congratulate Nathaniel and all of the graduates on their accomplishments. They should be very proud. Nathaniel was a leader in our classroom. He genuinely enjoyed our morning meetings and would often volunteer to lead our calendar time and make sure to include each and every person in the room during our song. He really enjoyed singing and listening to all kinds of music, especially the songs from 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'Annie' and 'The Sound of Music.' Nathaniel was a hard worker. He focused on tasks he was presented with and persisted until they were completed. He was eager to help other students or staff members when he was asked," Horst said.
Teacher Natalie Stramara offered her memories of Kothe and DeFrank.
"One thing I'd like to share is how much these students have taught me. From Mike, I've learned to find a joy in everyday experiences and to live in the moment. Mike can approach the most common task with enthusiasm and gusto, whether it's working in the restaurant or tidying up his desk. Mike has also taught me that a little thoughtfulness really goes a long way to make people feel special," Stramara said.
"Sapphire has taught me to be sure to start every day with a big smile. Each morning, Sapphire's beautiful smile, the kind of smile that seems to come from the whole person, brightened my day and made me appreciate the opportunities that each new day brought," Stramara said.
Using sign language, Stramara turned to Kothe and said, "Sapphire, I am happy you joined our class and I will miss you."
Hromyak also spoke to graduates, saying, "We wish the graduates the best the world has to offer. Strive to be and do everything you want to in the future. I have no doubt that you will be successful. Good luck in all you choose to do and always remember that the only limits you have in life are those that you allow others to place upon you."