Lowellville Class of 2011 Moves On

Frank Marr Photography.

Kalea Hall
Hometown Journal
LOWELLVILLE – In the small village of Lowellville, two sets of triplets are moving on to the next chapter of their lives, yet they are at different stages.
One set, Miguel, Teresa and Robert Sanchez have moved on to college.
The other set, Carlina, Lily and Patrick Vari-Coppola have moved on to first grade.
The now Lowellville alumni triplets took their last step as Lowellville students on Sunday, June 12 in a 90-minute ceremony with 59 graduates and seven valedictorians, while the kindergarten graduates took the step towards their second year at Lowellville on Friday, June 10 with only 22 graduates.
“Sometimes the triplets are your best friends, stick together and always be there for each other,” Robert said as a reminder to the first grade triplets.
The high school graduation ceremony, which took place in the gymnasium consisted of a speech from Lowellville graduate of 1972, Raymond Repko, who is now the project manager for MS Consultants Inc. Repko spoke about Lowellville education and how it will benefit the graduates in their future endeavors.
Valedictorians Anthony G. Alfano, Carly M. Conklin, Zachary J. Harklerode, John F. Kostelnak, Anne C. Partika, Michael S. Petronek Matthew L. Russo and salutatorian Natalie E. Frank all spoke at the ceremony, highlighting themes of education, leadership and commitment. Rocco Nero, the superintendent of Lowellville Schools, Sam Ramunno, principal and Michael A Koch, class secretary also gave speeches.
“Listening to the valedictorian speeches just brought back some good memories,” Robert said.
Robert has a career goal of becoming a firefighter, but first plans on attending YSU in the fall where he will major in health and human services.
While in school, Robert’s brother, Miguel, enjoyed being a member of the Lowellville football team as a linebacker and defensive tackle. Miguel plans on attending Akron University in the fall to study exercise science and enter a three-year program to become a physical therapist.
His sister, Teresa, also enjoyed playing sports for Lowellville. She was voted most valuable player for her defensive skills as the first baseman for the softball team. She has the option of playing softball for YSU yet she said she is unsure if she will join the team, but does have a career goal in mind.
“I plan on attending YSU in the fall for early childhood education,” Teresa said. “I want to eventually open my own preschool.”
As for the first grade triplets, their mother Jodi Coppola said they are eager to continue their education at Lowellville.
“They can’t wait,” Coppola said. “They keep on asking me, are we going to start next week. They know it’s going to be hard, and that they have to study, but they’re excited and they all want to be in the same class with the same teacher.”
Principal, Sam Ramunno, was proud to talk about the academic achievements, as well as athletic achievements of the class of 2011.
“Continue to be the competitors that you have been in the past. Work hard in college and at the job place,” Ramunno said as a reminder to the recent graduates.