School celebrates 92nd commencement with song, poetry and joy
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
NEWARK, Del. — Unionville High School held its 92nd graduation, Tuesday, sending the Class of 2015 into their futures with words of wisdom, song, cautious but hopeful pronouncements of future success and, being 2015, a few healthy social media references.
Thousands of family and friends looked on as principal Paula Massanari, who retires at the end of this school year, offered encouragement and praise for her final graduating class at the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Convocation Center.
Massanari, speaking to her final graduating class, spoke of the importance of mentoring — both to the mentor and those mentored as part of the education and life experience. She also spoke about the importance of students setting goals, taking responsibility for their actions and to never give up on following their dreams.
Unionville-Chadds Ford Superintendent of Schools John Sanville snaps one last picture of the Unionville High School Class of 2015 to add to his busy Twitter feed. he spoke of the students civl use of social media and how it would serve them well moving forward.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sanville drew laughs when he whipped out his smartphone to shoot one last photo of the Class of 2015 to add to his already prolific Twitter feed — and while that got many a smile, he noted this class was one that truly grew up with social media from tweets, to Instagram and beyond, all of which meant a lot more direct dialog between himself and students.
Calling it largely “civil and well-mannered” Sanville noted that the students had taught him a great deal about social media and in the process, he got to know more about what they thought and how they now express themselves. Impressively, too, considering the nature of the medium, Sanville said, was how thoughtful and polite most of those interactions have been. These lessons in civility — some of which Sanville acknowledged helped guide his better understanding and use of social media — will serve the class of 2015 well as they move forward.
“As you move forward with your intellect and your inspiration, your dreams and your designs on the future – remember to take those courteous communication skills too,” he said. “The dearth of good manners in the world means that those who use them are remembered, for the right reasons. You will have many opportunities to speak, to share, and to discuss, in person and online. When doing so with thought and consideration, you will leave the best impression of yourself, just as you did for me. It works.”
Four UHS seniors addressed the audience — but in three different ways.
Tucker Reese spoke in a more traditional fashion, offering his insights on his years at Unionville High School, the good: the friends, fun and growth, the bad: the hard work and long hours, and hormone swings, and worst: having to ride a school bus with middle school students, which drew a laugh.
Julia Madrak sang an original song, accompanied on guitar by Ian Larson, which captivated the audience.
Lastly, Hannah Bass paid tribute to the many impressive contributions and achievements of her class in verse.
Retiring Unionville High School Principal Paula Massanari presents diplomas during her final graduation ceremony at the school.
Beloved physics teacher — and cross country coaching legend — Mark Lacianca was honored as Unionville High School’s educator of the year. He spoke about his life and family — his father was a high school principal, who had to adapt to late career challenges — and how he marveled at their ability to do “what must be done.”
He stressed to the class that greatness comes from following a plan, doing the hard things and not cutting corners.
