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First graduating class is special for principal
(by Sue Hoffman - June 01, 2011)
First graduating class is special for principal
By SUE HOFFMAN
Solon High School Principal Erin Short said the class of 2011 will always be special to her, not only because it's her first class as principal, but because of what the members of that class have accomplished.
The class's 472 members will be graduating Thursday evening (June 2) at the State Theatre in downtown Cleveland. It is the second-largest class in the school's history, having just one student less than the class of 2008.
"The class of 2011 really stepped up this year," Ms. Short said. "They led not only by example, but by their spirit, word and actions. They truly embraced the mantra 'We are SC (Solon Comets).'"
Ms. Short said the class's accomplishments were visible not only in academics, but also in sports, on the stage and in co- and extracurricular activities.
"They will be missed," she said. "They had a kind of swagger to them that was appropriate."
Ms. Short said she challenged them as incoming freshmen four years ago to continue the legacy of Solon High School. "When you pause to reflect on them, they certainly have a legacy that they, their parents and the school can be proud of."
"It's bittersweet," said class President Amanda Goldie, who is heading to Ohio State University to major in psychology. "We've all been together 13 years."
The highlight of the year for her was the exciting football season, she said. "The spirit was so high."
Amanda and the other class officers worked for much of the year on prom, which took place last weekend at the Bertram in Aurora.
Ms. Short reflected on the senior class's numerous achievements.
The class had 33 National Merit Scholarship finalists and commended students, tying the school record, Ms. Short said. Seven seniors were named candidates for the annual Presidential Scholars Program, the highest number for any Ohio high school this year.
Athletes from the class were awarded eight Division One scholarships, she said. "We had a two-time state champion in diving."
Two members of the class finished in the top 10 at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, meaning they're among the best in the world, Ms. Short said. Six seniors contributed to Solon High School's first-place victory at the national Science Olympiad competition.
Seniors supported a host of other school achievements, she said. They were on the staff of the high school's newspaper, the Courier, which achieved gold-medal ranking by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. They were on the stage and backstage in sold-out performances of the spring musical, "West Side Story," and were among the record 283 Solon students named Advanced Placement scholars honored by the College Board. They're members of show choir, which has won key competitions this year.
Also in performing arts, the high school quartet "Fourever," consisting of four senior girls, won fourth place at the Sweet Adelines International rising star competition.
"They didn't just achieve locally, but on the state, national and international levels," Ms. Short said. "Most high schools can't say that. That's what sets us apart. We push ourselves and jump at a challenge. Our students are hungry to be the best they can be. In every facet, these kids led and excelled."
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