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Graduation 2006

A little 'umph' will take them far

By MARY SPICUZZA
Published May 21, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Jacob Postma knows his son, Zachary, hasn't always been a perfect student.

That's why watching him receive his diploma on Friday night at the River Ridge High School graduation ceremony meant so much.

"I'm so proud of him," Postma said. "It's been a hard road to go with him. My wife's a teacher, but he's not that into books."

But now, his son - who also attended F.K. Marchman Technical Center - has a diploma and a job as an electrician waiting for him.

Zachary Sean Rudolph Postma, 17, was one of nearly 400 students who graduated from River Ridge High on Friday. The class included about 50 National Honor Society members.

"You're a very special class," principal Jim Michaels told them.

Michaels spoke of a bright future for the Class of 2006 as they set out into the world to "have babies, get married and make lots of money."

"Not necessarily in that order," he added.

The salutatorian, class president Kristin Giannas, and valedictorian Emily Rowland also spoke during the ceremony.

"The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph," Rowland said. "Don't just stand there, make it happen."

She added, ""Carpe diem!"

Giannas, who took photographs of the class from the stage, used audio clips from the last year to talk about how far the class has come since homecoming.

"That cheerleading team was the best this school has ever seen!" she said of the boys who cheered during the powder puff football match.

Paramedics were called to the graduation when a man in the audience had what ushers said was a heart attack. But he was able to walk out with assistance.

Diplomas were presented with the help of School Board member Kathryn Starkey.

After the ceremony, graduates poured outside to toss their purple caps in the air.

[Last modified May 21, 2006, 13:25:20]