SHELBY, Ohio — Pioneer Career and Technology Center (PCTC) in Shelby wished their seniors “farewell” during the school’s graduation ceremony Friday. A total of 497 seniors graduated from the school’s wide range of programs.
Speakers during the ceremony included the school’s superintendent, Greg Nickoli, PCTC English Instructor Darren Jackson and Ohio Representative Mark Romanchuk.
“Before I introduce Mark [Romanchuk], I want to reflect back, talk to the seniors for a bit,” began Nickoli. “How many of you remember back to your first day in 2013? I remember, you all looked so scared. You looked like little kids, but two years later you’re young men and women. It makes me so proud to see you all with new skills and abilities. You’re all going to make Ohio more economically sound.”
Nickoli went on to thank each of the seniors’ parents. Without you, he said, without your faith, they wouldn’t be here today.
Representative Romanchuk commended the students’ hard work. “This achievement was not just handed to you today, nor did it just happen. You worked hard; you earned it,” he said.
Romanchuk agreed with Nickoli when he said the students will make Ohio more economically sound. “We’re entering into an exciting time in Ohio, and you will be an integral part of it. Do not back down from the challenges.”
He then quoted Ronald Reagan: “There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.”
Romanchuk reminded the students that this day was not the end of their education, it was the beginning. “Every person you meet has something you can learn from,” he said. “You did it, now go get them.”
The ceremony continued as Jackson named each student who belonged to the 31 different programs. Each student received a “passport” diploma, a handshake from both Romanchuk and Nickoli, and applause.
