DALLAS — With just 45 minutes of her senior year remaining, Mandy Good stood in the Dallas High School gym with 197 of her classmates reflecting on her past and future.

“I’m looking forward to moving on and I’m going to miss my friends and some of the people that I’ve met here, but this is just a small chapter of my life,” Good said just prior to the start of commencement ceermonies for the Dallas High School Clas of 2019 on June 14. “I’m looking forward to going to Syracuse and getting my biology degree so I can start the rest of my journey.”

Good will attend Syracuse University in the fall were she will be on a pre-med track with her goal to become a dermatologist.

“It’s been exciting; I’ve had sad moments, happy moments and you learn to appreciate the small things more, like meeting my friend for the last time at lunch,” Good added. “You realize that it’s the last time for everything and appreciate things more.”

Good isn’t the only one looking to move on with the majority of her classmates attending higher education institutions as noted in the back of the graduation program. A handful of graduates are undecided, a few have chosen the military and some are going into the workforce.

Nicole Jacobs, Student Council president, was the first featured speaker during the ceremony as she reflected over the class’s years from junior high through senior year.

“You just don’t realize how fast time flies until you’re thinking about yesterday but you realize that yesterday was eight months ago,” Jacobs said. “We made it through every good and bad yesterday and not only because of the support of those who are here in the bleachers tonight, but because of each other.”

Superintendent Dr. Thomas Duffy boasted on the class of 2019’s accomplishments during his graduation remarks.

“The class includes, over 80 students who have completed AP courses who accumulated 144 college credits as high school students; seven members of the class of 2019 earned GPAs of over 100 and overall have an average of 1060 on the SATs,” Duffy said. “This is a class that includes a National Merit Scholar and team members of the 2019 state champion and nationally recognized Life Smarts and Knowledge Bowl teams, as well as FBLA state winners and national-level participants.”

Duffy went on to acknowledge the class’s athletic accomplishments, including district championships in girls soccer, golf, boys swimming, baseball and individual accomplishments in district wrestling, shot put, diving, cross country and swim champions.

Duffy also noted a PMEA all-state vocalist who participated in the national honors choir.

“The class of 2019 has been accepted to over 30 different nationally recognized colleges, universities and technical schools,” Duffy said.

During his speech, Duffy asked that members of the Class of 2019 stand and applaud and congratulate members of their families in the bleachers.

The superintendent asked the graduating class to reflect on their time at Dallas High School and to recognize upon receiving their diploma they are joining thousands of other graduates who make up the Dallas High School alumni where many have gone on to do great things in life. They will be a part of D-Nation, he said.

Salutatorian Raymond Perez thanked his parents, teachers and students.

“Throughout my four years at Dallas High School, I’ve learned one thing,” Perez said. “Friends make life a little easier and life more bearable. I’d like to give one last round of applause to our support systems — teachers, friends, mentors, coaches, parents and everyone who made this day possible.”

In his farewell speech, class president Eric Weiss equated high school to boarding an airplane for flight, citing teachers as the pilots.

“We must take what we’ve learned here and move forward,” Weiss said. “Life is, for the most part, only experienced relatively. Like a flight, we only acknowledge when the plane starts to take off and eventually when it starts to land, leaving the majority of the flight underappreciated and unnoticed.”

“I call upon each of us as we transition into the next phase in our lives to live in the moment, taking the time to appreciate the people around us and the memories we make with them,” Weiss added. “Our next flights are departing soon; it’s time to get started to board. However, I urge everyone here to not only focus on the main takeoffs and touchdowns of your next flight, but truly take advantage of the time you spend in the air.”

Dallas High School Valedictoran Lindsey Jorda leads the procession of the Class of 2014 into Mountaineer Stadium on June 14.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_DHSgrads1.jpg.optimal.jpgDallas High School Valedictoran Lindsey Jorda leads the procession of the Class of 2014 into Mountaineer Stadium on June 14. Tony Callaio | For Dallas Post

Raymond Perez, a 2019 graduate of Dallas High School and the class salutatian, gives his farewell speech during the commencement ceremony
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_DHSgrads2.jpg.optimal.jpgRaymond Perez, a 2019 graduate of Dallas High School and the class salutatian, gives his farewell speech during the commencement ceremony Tony Callaio | For Dallas Post

Mandy Good poses with Dallas High School’s Jason Rushmer, director of operation, as she receives her diploma.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_DHSgrads3.jpg.optimal.jpgMandy Good poses with Dallas High School’s Jason Rushmer, director of operation, as she receives her diploma. Tony Callaio | For Dallas Post

Eric Weiss, president of the Dallas High School Class of 2019, delivers his final official speech at commencement ceremonies.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_DHSgrads4.jpg.optimal.jpgEric Weiss, president of the Dallas High School Class of 2019, delivers his final official speech at commencement ceremonies. Tony Callaio | For Dallas Post

One hundred ninety-eight Dallas High School graduates toss their caps into the air while singing the alma mater one last time.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_DHSgrads5.jpg.optimal.jpgOne hundred ninety-eight Dallas High School graduates toss their caps into the air while singing the alma mater one last time. Tony Callaio | For Dallas Post

Dallas High School senior Leah Clarke, front right, is excited for the start of the 2019 graduation ceremony to begin at Mountaineer Stadium on June 14. Clarke was one of 198 graduates in this year’s class.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_DHSgrads6.jpg.optimal.jpgDallas High School senior Leah Clarke, front right, is excited for the start of the 2019 graduation ceremony to begin at Mountaineer Stadium on June 14. Clarke was one of 198 graduates in this year’s class. Tony Callaio | For Dallas Post

2019 Dallas High School graduate Brenden Jesse points to teachers sitting stage-side after receiving his diploma June 14 at Mountaineer Stadium.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/web1_DHSgrads7.jpg.optimal.jpg2019 Dallas High School graduate Brenden Jesse points to teachers sitting stage-side after receiving his diploma June 14 at Mountaineer Stadium. Tony Callaio | For Dallas Post

By Tony Callaio

For Dallas Post

DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2019

Mansour Samir Abdo

Lay Thai Alhashemi

Joseph Raymond Aliciene, III

Angelena Allen

Michael Anthony Anderson

Jonathan Andrew Bapst

Kayla Marie Barber

Chelsea Elizabeth Bednarek

John A. Betzko

Ryley Lauren Blaine

Samantha M. Blamire

Audrey D. Blessner

Emily Concetta Bogdon

Colin Joseph Bowanko

Brianna Christine Brennan

Aidan J. Brown

Jacob Luke Calkins

Shelby Allison Carr

Christopher William Carver

Gianna Centrella

Elizabeth Ann Chamberlain

Hailey Elizabeth Chamberlain

Blake Stephen Chopyak

Faith Jana Christman

Leah Marie Clarke

Nichole Marie Conrad

Russell Coolbaugh

John M. Costello

Logan Matthew Cote

Sean Michael Cuba

Abigail Lynn Curtis

Catherine E. Daly

Amanda Mae Danishanko

Morgan Elise Davis

Lauren Grace Delamater

Noah Parker Delevan

Victoria Eve Dent

Ava Rose Dettore

Mia Rilee Dixon

Samantha J. Dixon

Hannah Doran

Haydon Edwards-Lewis

Benjamin Stephen Emershaw

Mikayla Rose Engler

Emily Elizabeth Farrell

Liam Joseph Farrell

Dylan M. Feeney

Justin Adam Fell

Haley Elizabeth Fennell

Matthew David Ferrara

Justin Finarelli

Emily Rose Fleming

Ivy Juliette Fox

Jarrod William Frank

Jennifer Marie Friedenthal

Edward Robert Gill

Vladimir E. Gingo

Amanda Good

Isabella Paige Green

Kyle Christopher Greenwood

Zoe A. Haddle

Dylan J. Hakim

Madison Hawk

Mary Ann Heacock

Shawn M. Henninger

Caleb Francis Hill

Zachary Hill

Andrew Paul Hirko

Daniel John Hodle

Christina Elizabeth Hoidra

Elizabeth Clarice Hulbert

Nicole Kelly Jacobs

Grace Elizabeth Jarden

Brenden Thomas Jesse

Daniel T. Jones

Heath W. Jones

Lindsey X. Jorda

Celeste Azenith Josulevicz

Nicholas Michael Kachur

Jacqueline B. Kalinosky

Makenzie Lynn Kapitula

Alexander Xavier Kapral

Erin Lynne Kelly

Tabitha Stevens Kenzakoski

Darren D. Kerdesky

Samantha Marie Kern

Johanna Marie Kiska

Brian Thomas Kmetz

Julianna Mckenna Koerwer

Ethan Alexander Kolojejchick

Julia E. Krawetz

Sydney Amber Kraynack

Jenna Rose Kurent

Hunter Thomas Landon

Alexis Ann Lanza

Michael Joseph Lee

Beaudyn Joshua Lewis

Sierra Shiller Loiselle

Kenneth Jacob Lubas

John William Luke

Michael A. Luksic

Kathleen Ann Lydon

Dillon Brooks Major

Nora Elizabeth Malarkey

Jonathan Patrick Manzella

Dante Francis Marianacci

Connor A. Markham

Kyle Robert McAndrew

Adison E. McClain

Ryan J. McDermott

Danielle McDougal

Megan R. McGovern

Elisabeth Michele Mead

Andrew Jeffrey Menig

Savanah Rhae Millan

Zachary Monahan

Ethan Michael Mooney

Hanna Elizabeth Morgan

Courtney Jane Moss

Christian Charles Motley

Colin Michael Murray

Gianna Marie Musto

Joseph Rocco Nardone

Aidan Jacob Nelson

Steven Glenn Newell

Brian Michael Novicki

Jacob Matthew Novitski

Gabrielle Nicole Olenginski

Sophia Ormando

Alexandra Lynn Oster

Nathan Richard Ostroski

Daniella Nicole Pace

Zachary Thomas Palfey

Olivia Paige Panzer

Keely Elizabeth Patton

Raymond Clifford Perez

William Petherick

Ashley Piper

Bailey P. Pirl

Alyssa Ann Podskoch

Brandon Michael Porasky

Makayla Ann Potsko

Michael Austin Quinnan

Benjamin John George Reavy

Blaine Gordon Rex

Rachel Ricker

Madison Marie Riley

Renee Emily Rinehimer

Morgan Marie Risch

Matthew Richard Thomas Roberts

Mitchell Douglas Rome

Vanessa Elsie Ryan

Ian Francis Rynkiewicz

Evan Matthew Sabecky

Christina Ann Schappert

Ryan A. Schmid

Matthew J. Schnable

Christina Therese Schuler

Ethan Paul Scioscia

Chloe N. Scott

Megan Sebastianelli

Jaelyn L. Shaver

Collin James Shedletsky

Bailey C. Slacktish

Kristopher Smiga

David Anthony Smith

Jacob Frederick Smith

Benjamin Thomas Sobieski

Hailey Cecelia Sobocinski

Alexander Logan Solano

Nicholas Xavier Solinsky

Gianna Nicole Spaciano

Joshua Edward Specht

Tyler C. Stivers

Zachary Ryan Strazdus

Sydney Olivia Strickland

Gabrielle Lynn Sweeney

Caleb Arden Sweitzer

Madelyn René Swire

Ethan Paul Sypniewski

Ondrea Marie Taffera

Hannah Brooke Thomas

Laura Ann Timinski

Bailey Marie Tregan

Andrew Alabré Trumm

Anthony John Vanesko

Vincent Christopher Vespico, IV

Alicia Rose Vincelli

Caitlin Nichole Walsh

Caleb Lawrence Waslick

Carter Alexander Weaver

Eric Joseph Weiss

Eric James Williams

Joplin Holiday Bates Wood

Rachael Brielle Wooditch

Brandi Lynn Yale

Hannah E. Yanovich

Grace Marielynn Young

Ethan Michael Zawatski

Eugene P. Ziemba, III

Kaitlyn M. Zimmerman

Savannah J. Zimmerman

Alexandria Beth Zurn

Reach the Dallas Post newsroom at 570-991-6405 or by email at news@mydallaspost.com.