Canton High School Presents Class of 2011

Despite the rain, the mood was festive for the 2011 Canton High School Graduation, held in the school’s gym Friday evening. 

One hundred and nineteen seniors received their diplomas in a ceremony that included musical performances from school bands and choirs and many inspiring words. Superintendent Kevin Case addressed the students, as did Board of Education Chairwoman Beth Kandrysawtz and Principal Gary Gula. 

Gula talked about the school’s successes, triumphs on the sports fields and in the classrooms and tragedies, such as the loss of teachers Jack King and Paul Kalasnik. 

He also said he was proud of every student. 

"Our students have been accepted to such colleges as Smith, Bates, Colby, Gettysburg, Fordham, Connecticut College, New York University, and Purdue University.  I am proud of these students, but I am equally proud of the eight students who will be attending one of the state’s community colleges, the ten seniors who will pursue further education in technical fields, and the one student who plans to join the Coast Guard,” Gula said. "There are multiple pathways to success and personal fulfillment, and not all of them need to end with the purchase of a 4,000 square foot house or a job with a prestigious title.” 

Students also heard from salutatorian Deanna Nappi, valedictorian Danielle Kerr and senior class officers Ally Markowitz and Camila Rich.

Kerr said the class does not have all the answers but encouraged her classmates to learn from their mistakes, try different approaches and be true to themselves.

“It's not going to matter what clothes you wore or what grades you got in high school, as long as you are happy,” he said. “Don't be afraid to speak your mind; it could make the difference between doing the right thing and wishing you had.”

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