TRR photo by David Hulse Friends, from left, Warren Ritter, Thomas Phillips and Justin Brundage, pause for the traditional post-graduation photos following June 29 ceremonies at Eldred Central School. (Click for larger image)

ECS graduates 53

By DAVID HULSE

ELDRED — Hundreds filled the sunlit lawn of Eldred Central School on the evening of June 29 for the district’s 74th annual commencement ceremonies as Principal Al Larsen remarked the Class of 2002 became forever more known as alumni.

Larsen called them “an exceptional” class, the first to have come to Eldred from MacKenzie Elementary School.

Superintendent Candace Mazur said community is the byword of the class and is “the essence of the people of Eldred. It’s a wonderful legacy for them to take wherever they go.”

Featured speaker, 1991 ECS graduate and film producer Corinne Marinan advised graduates not to fret about the past or worry about the future. “The most important time is now and the most important person is the one you’re with.”

Valedictorian Jason White quoted Winston Churchill, saying ‘Greatness is a responsibility’—our time is just beginning.”

Salutatorian Janice Brodmerkel told the audience that people can either worry or wonder about the unknown, and not to worry about them, because they were “a class of wonderers.”

Twenty-six of the new ECS graduates have already announced plans to further their education in college, while six are scheduled to enter the military.