SMCC class of 2018 'ready to achieve'

SANDUSKY — St. Mary Central Catholic High School seniors Sunday bid farewell to teachers and fellow classmates.Nearly 50 students graduated at the school's 94th commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon at the school's Kinzel Center. The graduation was preceded by a baccalaureate Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.[gallery]Valedictorian Madison Weyer and salutatorian Madeline Grant both recalled memorable moments they shared with their fellow graduates, and offered some encouragement for the future."Although this experience might seem frightening, it can't hold us back," Grant said. "I challenge all of you to give 100 percent in everything you do."Weyer recalled standing with classmates in the freezing cold during football games and chanting together at pep rallies."We've laughed and cried together," she said. "Now, it's closing time."Principal Dennis Antonelli told the class of 2018 he knows they are "ready to achieve."The school also presented "Golden Diplomas" to members the school's class of 1968, marking 50 years since their graduation.Along with the graduating class of 2018, SMCC said goodbye to longtime art teacher Karen Shaylor, who's retiring at the end of the school year. Antonelli presented Shaylor with an award for her 33 years teaching at the school.SMCC Class of 2018• Number of graduating students: 47• Percent going to college: 98 percent• Percent going into the workforce: Two percent• Percent entering the military: Two percent (one student is attending college and entering the Ohio National Guard)• Amount of local scholarships accepted: $44,000• The top ten students (ordered alphabetically): Rachel Dorski, Caylee Fetter, James Fischer, Allison Fisher, Madeline Grant, Faith Lamb, Karen Landino, Xiaonan Li, Ireland McGuire, Madison Weyer.Reach reporter Brandon Addeo at brandonaddeo@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @BrandonAddeo and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterSMCC's class of 2018 tosses their caps on West Jefferson Street after graduating Sunday afternoon.