North graduates begin new chapter
The 273 graduates of North Fort Myers High School began an exciting new journey Saturday at Alico Arena on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University.
Many will go on to college, others will take up a trade or enter the workforce but all will attempt to make their dreams come true, no matter where that path leads them.
That’s why it’s called a commencement, and that’s where they, along with close family and friends gathered in the packed arena to close the book on one part of their lives.
The graduates got to hear the humility of class president Alisa Fundora, the humor of Bradley Pace, who found the time to take a selfie during his speech, the wisdom of Renee Morales, and the selflessness of class vice president Laci Hicks, who urged the graduates to seek out their loved ones and give them a wave.
They also got the certificate that will help lead them through the rest of their lives.
Even before the ceremony, there was a feeling of mixed emotions. The graduates were happy to move on with their lives, but sad that for many, it likely would be the last time they would see each other.
“I thought the finality hit me when I got my college acceptance letter,” said graduate Rachel Chaifetz. “But looking at everyone who’s about to leave, it’s a good emotion, but then again, it’s heartbreaking at the same time because you don’t know if you’ll see them again.”
“North has more than adequately prepared me for what lies ahead. It’s a big transition from almost adult to adult,” Pace said. “It’s bittersweet because I’ve made a lot of friends here and that 80 percent of them you won’t ever see again.”
In the crowd, the parents waited with anticipation, like Vince Marcucci, whose daughter, Francesca, was about to take the walk.
“It’s our second graduation, I’m excited for her and she’s excited. But it will be lonelier in the house, that’s for sure,” Marcucci said. “I’m very proud. It’s a big step. One more to go after her.”
The graduates took to the floor to great applause from the packed arena and the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” in the background.
During the 90-minute ceremony, the grads got a great deal of wisdom, perhaps none more important than what they got from Morales as he told them that the real world can be scary, especially when those dreams you have don’t come true initially.
“Do not be afraid of an unanticipated future. In fact, take chances to achieve your dreams. Because you have the power to challenge and improve yourself and those around you,” Morales said.
The moment was especially bittersweet for Principal Dale Houchin, as this class represented a special one.
“This is my first graduating class as a principal, so this one will always have something special with me,” Houchin said. “Each class is unique. One class may stand out in certain areas. This is unique because it’s my first.”
It may also have been one of his brightest. Of all those who got diplomas, 68 percent achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average, and 53 of them made the National Honors Society.
Houchin handed out all the diplomas – but one. Former principal Kim Lunger handed out that one to her daughter, Emily, the last of her children to walk that aisle.
“It was important to me because with my other two, I was able to hand it to them as principal,” Kim said. “I’m very proud of her.”
Never did the North alma mater sound so good as the students belted it out one final time, as if doing so would make the moment last a little longer, before exiting to meet their parents and friends and move on with their lives.
“Every time they reminded us it’s the last time we’ll be a Red Knight, it made me want to cry,” Rebecca Slaughterback said. “It’s the beginning of the rest of our lives, but the end of this chapter, and this has been our second home.”
“I’m sad, but happy that I get to begin a new part of my life,” Samantha Wolff, Rebecca’s best friend said. “It’s great to know there will be so many great opportunities out there.”