Published: June 27, 2009 12:47 am      

PENDLETON: Starpoint graduates hear message of love

When held upside down, the numbers 3407 take the shape of a word.

It’s the same word that appears on a necklace Starpoint High School valedictorian Nicole Borner was given in February. During her address at Friday’s graduation ceremony, Borner held up a sign with the numbers 7, 0, a part of the 4 and 3 traced over in black. Together the traced numbers spelled out “LOVE.”

“To live, I believe, is not to just have a life and to breathe,” Borner said. “But to allow friends and family to find their way into our hearts. That is to live and gives others a way to live on.”

The numbers were that of the Continental Connection Flight 3407 that crashed in February in Clarence Center. Nicole’s father, David Borner, was one of 50 people who died on Feb. 12. A devoted “soccer dad,” Borner said her father was also her best friend. She also praised the strength of the families of the Flight 3407 victims.

“If you’re looking for a display of strength, don’t go watch the world’s strongest man competition,” Borner said. “But please look at each of them.”

Toward the end of her speech, Borner referenced lyrics from “Three Wooden Crosses,” a song by Randy Travis. Borner and her father used to sing it together in the car, on occasion.

“It isn’t what you take when you leave this world behind you, it’s what you leave behind you when you go,” Borner said. “My father left a family and the meaning of love in my heart.”

Borner thanked her teachers, friends and family. It was through them and by being involved in activities Borner said she was able to get through the tough time. Borner will attend Binghamton in the fall to study bioengineering on a soccer scholarship.

Superintendent C. Douglas Whelan said 91 percent of Starpoint’s graduates had earned a Regents diploma, while 62 percent earned advanced Regents or advanced Regents with honors diplomas. More than 30 of the graduates earned a “Starpoint Scholar” award given annually to students who maintain a 93 average for all four marking periods. Besides the achievements, Whelan said he had some special memories of the Class of 2009. The class welcomed Whelan with banners almost 10 years ago.

“When I started here, this class was in second grade,” Whelan said. “I still have the banners.”

Other area high schools will be holding their graduation ceremonies today. Barker High School will hold its ceremony at 9:30 a.m. today at the school, 1628 Quaker Road, Barker. Newfane will hold its ceremony at 7 p.m. today at the University at Buffalo, while Lockport will hold its ceremony at 1 p.m. at Artpark in Lewiston. Royalton-Hartland will hold its graduation at 7 p.m. at the school, 54 State St., Middleport, and Christian Academy of Western New York will have its ceremony at 7 p.m. at the school, 120 Main St. Wilson will hold its graduation at 9 a.m. at Artpark.

Contact reporter Joe Olenick at 439-9222, ext. 6241.