CCTI graduates celebrate and look to the future

Graduates, family and friends came together at Jim Thorpe Area High School to celebrate the commencement of Carbon Career and Technical Institute’s class of 2018 on Friday night.

CCTI’s class saw 82 students graduating from 14 technical education programs, ranging from auto collision repair to cosmetology to computer engineering technology.

Pianist Michelle Stoudt played the students onto the stage, and following greetings from director David Reinbold, student and vocalist Zoe Arnold performed the national anthem.

Class President Alyssa Parramore radiated pride for herself and her fellow graduates, crediting their education at CCTI with launching them forward in life.

“Remember, nothing can take away the sense of empowerment graduating from CCTI gives each and every one of us. Whether we are graduating as cosmetologists, machinists, carpenters or medical assistants, we will all leave here with a bond that can never be broken, no matter what the future has in store for us,” she said.

Salutatorian Derbe Stroup chose to forgo the usual banalities of a graduation speech, focusing instead on encouraging strength through partnerships.

“I’m not going to throw a bunch of clichés at you and encourage you all to go out and change the world, but one thing I encourage you to do is to get a support system. Whatever you choose to do with your life, surround yourself with positive people who inspire you, motivate you and challenge you. Find people who will not only pick you up when you fall, but will also slap you in the back of the head and tell you to get the lead out,” Stroup said.

Valedictorian Alyssa E. Stamets encouraged her fellow graduates to use what they learned at CCTI to forge their own paths, for their own good.

“Now that we are at the end of our high school career, we can be confident in ourselves and our classmates that we made the best choice in coming to CCTI. Some of us will continue on to a post secondary school, others will proudly join the military and many will work in their chosen career field. As Steve Jobs once said, ‘Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.’ Be an advocate for yourself and your dreams,” she said.

Considering how knowledge of technical trades is in demand throughout the country, CCTI’s class of 2018 should fare well no matter what path the graduates choose. Principal Brent Borzak reinforced the students’ confidence with this fact, ensuring them that no matter what their paths, their technical education would also be valued at a premium.

“A skilled labor force is out there for you. It’s waiting for you. It’s calling for you, so I want you to go out there and meet it head-on,” Borzak said.

“We need all of your jobs as a community, whether you need your car fixed, your hair cut. If your air conditioner broke, you’re not going to call India. You’re not going to call China. You’re not going to Mexico. You need people who are in our communities to do those jobs, and they’re all sitting out here tonight.”

Each student accepted their diploma from CCTI’s Joint Operating Committee members Wayne Gryzik and Gerald Strubinger, with crowds cheering them on as their instructors congratulated them one last time.

Reinbold concluded the ceremony by officiating the graduation, albeit it with a drawn-out ending that kept the students on the edge of their seats.

“Graduates, you’ve satisfied all the requirements for graduation set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and by both the state and local boards of education. Therefore, with the power invested in my office, and with the hardiest of congratulations to each of you, in the presence of this grand assembly of parents, friends and relatives, I declare you now … officially … graduated! Congratulations!” he said.