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Madonna seniors take the next step

SPEAKER — John Mazzone, Madonna Class of 1979, served as the commencement speaker Sunday, urging the school’s Class of 2018 to be practical and wise, but also relentless in the pursuit of their dreams. He encouraged them to adapt in order to meet their challenges and learn from their experiences. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Prior to beginning the next phase of their life Sunday, the 46 members of Weirton Madonna’s Class of 2018 were reminded of the family they have made in their four years of high school, and encouraged to pursue their dreams with determination and wisdom.

Welcomed by Class President Zak Tokash, the soon-to-be graduates took time to reflect on their years together while looking to the future.

Saying his fellow students were not just special, but also talented, hard-working and unique, Tokash acknowledged their accomplishments while encouraging the class to continue with the same mentality as they reach for their goals.

“May your hats fly as high as your dreams,” he said.

Serving as commencement speaker, John Mazzone encouraged the class to follow their dreams, but to approach them practically while also being willing to adapt and learn from their experiences.

A 1979 Madonna graduate and retired executive with American Electric Power, Mazzone recommended being a great listener, and offered advice from his father, Anthony, who he said told him to observe those who are successful.

At the same time, he suggested also learning from those who have faced failure.

“Doing both will be a valuable lesson,” Mazzone said.

Mazzone told the class to be humble, show their vulnerabilities and be willing to admit their mistakes, while treating everyone equally and being willing to think outside of the box and challenge the traditional wisdom of the world.

“You will never know if there’s a better way of doing things if you don’t challenge the norm,” Mazzone said.

Above all, he said the class should remember to pray every day, enjoy the little things in life, tell people they love them and hold on to their families.

“There is nothing more important than family,” he said, taking time to introduce his own family, including his parents, Anthony and Mary, his wife Lori and their children, and his brother, James.

Salutatorians Joseph Garan and Olivia Mogan offered thanks to those who have supported them throughout the years.

Mogan, calling the students, faculty and staff of Madonna her second family, said they, along with her family, provided a place for her to belong.

“Each of you has shaped me into the person I am today,” she said.

Quoting Marvel Comics character May Parker, Garan encouraged the class to find its own way in life, saying the journey may be difficult, but the rewards will make it worthwhile.

“Don’t just follow the path. Make your own trail,” Garan said.

Valedictorians Mark Licata, Gianna Mascio and Shannon Westfall recommended finding common ground with others and to keep a hold of their friendships.

Licata said he didn’t always feel as if he fit in at the school, but it was his friendships that helped him get through many of his obstacles. He told the class to reach out to others, especially those they otherwise wouldn’t have spoken to.

“Make a new friend. Maybe the quiet kid in the corner is just shy,” Licata said.

Mascio said they have had different experiences, but have united through adversity. She encouraged the class to accept challenges and dream big.

“Doing what is easy now is almost always harder later on,” she said.

Westfall, meanwhile, recalled many of their shared experiences, from prom to class trips and other adventures.

“These past four years have been quite a ride,” she said.

Also as part of Sunday’s events, school guidance counselor, Amy Granato, announced more than $2.5 million in scholarships had been awarded to the class.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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