Graduates urged to pursue interests

Christina Hefron said it's all about keeping the proper perspective while speaking to her fellow members of the Class of 2010.

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"Do what makes you happy," the Augusta Prep valedictorian emphasized. "Is the glass half-empty or half-full? Drink the half-full glass and fill it up again."

The 56 students of this year's graduating class completed their high school journeys Sunday afternoon, receiving their diplomas at Augusta Prep's graduation commencement ceremony.

Hefron's message of pursuing one's interests was echoed by U.S. Rep. John Barrow, the commencement speaker at the ceremony in Boardman Athletic Center.

"Volunteer for a cause you care about," Barrow said. "What you see as a hobby in college could turn out to be a rewarding career."

Much of the dialogue centered not on the past, but on the future and what the new graduates can expect when they step foot on a college campus. The message -- this is a beginning, not a culmination -- is one the school has adhered to since its first class graduated in 1965, according to Jack Hall, head of schools.

In advance of Sunday's ceremony, Hall got in touch with past graduates to collect some inspirational and humorous words of wisdom. While quoting the alumni, Hall got a bit emotional thinking back to past years.

His main focus, though, was on this year's class.

"Our school has been a far better place because of each of you," Hall said.

Salutatorian Daniel Hull opened up the commencement, describing his class as "undoubtedly one of the most diverse classes in history."

Graduate Adam Kronowski, who attended Augusta Prep for 13 years, represents a bit of that diversity.

Kronowski, a drummer and pianist who plays drums for local band My Instant Lunch, will be attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Attending Augusta Prep presented Kronowski with a unique opportunity he might not have had otherwise, though it came outside of the school setting. He said the situation was representative of the relationship students have with the faculty.

"We don't have a very large music program here yet," Kronowski said. "But the opportunity actually came about that the keyboard player in My Instant Lunch is my music teacher (Michael Ray).

"They had a drummer drop out of the band, so then he invited me to come in and play with them."