The East Canton High School Class of 2008 held its commencement on Sunday, June 1, 2 p.m., in the James A. Smith Gymnasium.
The keynote speaker was Phillip Schmucker, a graduate of East Canton High School.
Also speaking were Alison Cerrato, valedictorian of the class, and Nathan Wilson, salutatorian. Ali's speech started with a quote from John Lennon that said: "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." She went on to talk about all the plans that had been made by the Class of 2008, but she said: "...your plans may change. Some changes are avoidable, some aren't...don't fear change; embrace it."
Nathan talked about the many memories his fellow classmates had given him over the years. Some of his memories brought laughter and smiles. "We are all going our separate ways after our graduation, and all we will have left of our experiences at East Canton are those memories. Cherish them. Thank you East Canton Class of 2008 for all of the memories that you have given me to cherish forever."
Senior choir members sang "Seasons of Love" and "Graduation." Senior band members joined others in the band to perform "Selections from Titanic."
Chris Corbi, high school principal, presented the class. Diplomas were given to the graduates by Corbi, superintendent of schools Tom Davis, board president Ted Wahl and counselor Jacqueline Yingling.
The class motto for 2008 is "Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever." Class colors are blue and silver, class flower is white rose tipped with blue and class song was "My Wish" by Green Day.
The senior class offers were Lindsay Helems, president; Nathan Wilson, vice president, and Elizabeth Bretz, secretary/treasurer.
The top 10 students in the class were Brandi Burkhart, Alison Cerrato, Vanessa Gantz, Michael Griffith, Heather Krivos, Katy Momirovic, Benjamin Shankel, Julia Starcher, Ryan VanVoorhis and Nathan Wilson.