Published: August 28, 2008 01:06 am            

LHS: Lockport graduates recognized for earning GEDs, diplomas

Lockport High School has some new graduates who come from a variety of backgrounds, and have a variety of ages.

The school recognized 21 students who earned a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma certificate through the district’s program. Each student had their name called, walked across the stage and shook hands with school administrators while receiving their diplomas.

Wearing bright blue caps and gowns, 20 students opened the ceremony by walking down two aisles of the high school auditorium to “Pomp and Circumstance.” The school show choir sang the National Anthem, and afterwards Principal Frank Movalli addressed the students and the crowd, which was full of relatives and friends.

“We’re very proud of you,” Movalli said. “This is a significant milestone. And for the rest of your life, you can reflect with pride on your perseverance and dedication in completing your high school requirements.”

He introduced everyone to the evening’s honor graduate, 92-year-old Gordon Schorr. Schorr attended Lockport High School until 10th grade in 1932, when he quit school to support his family during the Great Depression. Soon World War II followed, and Schorr served in the U.S. Army. He took part in the landing of Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge, receiving a bronze star for meritorious service in battle.

Schorr received his diploma as part of “Operation Recognition.” The program was created by New York state, which allows veterans from World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War to receive their high school diploma. Movalli said veterans learned from their experiences.

“Except history, they made history,” Movalli said. “It’s a debt we can never repay.”

Schorr received a standing ovation. All 20 received their diplomas, cheered on by the audience. Schorr said afterwards he was proud to earn his diploma.

“Absolutely, education is everything,” Schorr said. “I really liked school, the kids, too. Knowledge is power.”

Schorr was the first to receive his high school diploma because, “We feel he’s waited long enough,” Movalli said. Afterwards, the students were treated to light refreshments that included a cake donated by Tops Markets in Wrights Corners.

The spotlight was also on Barbara Converso, the director of alternative education, who also runs the district GED program. Converso is leaving the Lockport district to accept a position as middle school principal with the Barker School District. Russell Buckley will succeed her as director of alternative education Sept. 1.

Converso was proud of the hard work the students put in to finish their schooling. To receive a GED, students had to go through a year-long, five-day-a-week program. She praised their commitment to finish, saying it wasn’t easy to go back to school after it didn’t work out the first time.

“It’s a tough decision to make, and they really deserve recognition,” she said. “This is important to them.”

Converso said a total of 65 students graduated with a GED. As she spoke, graduates, parents and others came up to her and said they were going to miss her.

“I’ve been here a while,” Converso said.

She said she has been affiliated with Lockport since 1985, and was actively involved with the district since 1992. Lockport has had a formal graduation for the GED program for about 10 years.

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

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.