Firelands Falcons reminded to follow their dreams, embrace change

SOUTH AMHERST — Firelands High School's 70th graduating class came a long way from struggling to open their lockers, Principal Catherine Keener said. This year's graduating Falcons were reminded to follow their dreams — and take a step back from social media and societal pressures to find themselves. Quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, Keener said, "Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual — you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this." She implored them to follow their dreams and find their own meaning to leave a lasting impression on the world. Valedictorian and Class President Collin Adkins reminded his classmates to cherish memories and not let the fear of failure overwhelm them. Standing in the center of the high school football field on Thursday, each graduate was filled with emotions, he said, and reminded of simpler times in elementary and middle school — like the "two-week vacation" the COVID-19 pandemic was supposed to be in the eighth grade. What was at the time a welcome, impromptu break turned out to be one of the class's biggest challenges, he said. But even when locked down and isolated, the class of 2024 found a way to thrive, he said. "Our hard work and perseverance has paid off," he said. "Each of us have earned our place here." Senior speakers Alexander Kalassay and Rileigh Roule gave their speeches the same way they had spent their school career at Firelands: together. From kindergarten to the commencement stage, the pair felt it was only fitting to give a joint graduation speech, Roule said. Kalassay recounted the class trips they took — the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Washington, D.C., — and the disappointment felt during the abrupt end to their eighth-grade year due to the pandemic. It was not until their junior year that their school career returned to normal, Roule said, and each student began to form their safety net of sports, arts and friends. The memories formed during those years will join each Falcon in the next chapter of their lives, Roule said. Kalassay reminded them that things may not work out how they initially anticipated, and to jump over every hurdle in their path — no matter how big or small. "You have made it to this point and you're ready to take the next step in your journey," Roule said. Kalassay finished the joint address, "Never forget the memories made these last 12 years — even if you had your best friend there, or were all by yourself. Accept the change, don't try to fight it." Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.