Ilion High School - Class of 1988

Source pdf file is here Utica NY Observer 1988 - 6326.pdf on fultonhistory.com

Photo Caption: Peter Wardle, Ilion High valedictorian, sings and plays the melody of his original composition at yesterday's graduation. In foreground is Linda Harter, his high school vocal music teacher.

Ilion grad plays valedictory address on piano

Ilion - The Ilion High School Class of 1988 has been impressive, said Principal George DeLuca shortly before 132 graduates received their diplomas during ceremonies on Diss Field.

And to prove it, the class valedictorian sang his address to a melody he wrote - the first time ever during an Ilion school commencement, said DeLuca.

Peter Wardle, son of William and Marie Wardle, of 375 W. Main St., accompanied himself on the piano as he sang his original song, "Through the Years."

Wardle, who accumulated a 96.83 percent average and who has been accepted at Harvard University, sang, "Through the years I'll always be that special friend you really need. I will be there forever. If you are feeling down, know I'll always be around. All you have to do is call and I'll be there."

DeLuca said, "This class has made a unique impression upon those of us who have known them. In many areas the class achievements went well beyond our expectation." More than 1,000 parents, relatives and friends attended the ceremony.

DeLuca said the class had an outstanding record in academics, sports, music and service. He listed its accomplishments:

"In athletics, the senior class leadership is responsible for Ilion winning both the girls and boys Central Valley Conference all-sports trophies. And because of that leadership this is a first in the conference," DeLuca said.

"... of you and are proud of your accomplishments. What remains to be seen is if this pride and determination remains with you," DeLuca said.

Salutatorian Michael Grainger has some parting words for his classmates: "As we leave here today, we must keep on believing. Believing not only in our dreams and goals, but also in ourselves to make these dreams and goals a reality in our lives."

Grainger, who also was class president, added, "Yet it is here when we must believe the most. We must suck in our pride and stand strong. We must not let the pressures of today's world get us down."

Grainger, son of .... Grainger of ... Second St., had a 95.68 percent average.

School Superintendent Joseph Fusco awarded the scholarships and members of the Board of Education presented the diplomas.

Fusco also said the George E. Anderson Award to outstanding teachers was given to Martin Manion and Mary Putnam.

The invocation and benediction was given by the Rev. Stanley C. Tanner, a pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church. Linda Harter, a vocal music teacher, was organist.

The awards were:

The Griffin-Jones Remington Arms Scholarships to Lynn E. Bracken, Blake C. Davis, Rebecca M. Pestar and Jeffrey T. Brownrigg.
B'nai B'rith Citizenship Award to JoAnne Gottlieb;
Ilion PBA Award to Julie L.Dewan and Thomas S. Jess;
The Shirley Truax Waldon Award to ....;
Ida J. Butcher Scholarship to Ida J. Hendrix;
Student Achievement Awards to Michael S. Dudish, Heidi J. Haines, Vicki A. Holmes, Heather A. Wainwright and Thomas Jess;
Student Recognition Awards to Steven R. Billings, Jeffrey A. Bower, Shawn C. Loomis and Tonya Stephenson;
National Honor Society Award to David V. DePaola;
Agnes Morgan Hamlin Prize to Peter H. Pannes;
Albert W. Schneider Masonic Prize to Amy M. Getman;
Principal's Recognition Award to Matthew T. DesChamps, Cynthia E. Kassarda and Thomas S. Jess;
Foreign Exchange Student Award to Maria A. Ferreres, and
Outstanding Student Worker Award to Renee M. Smith and Dennis E. Wood.

Wardle hopes to send song to producers

By Ken Schaaf Observer-Dispatch

Ilion - Ilion High School Valedictorian Peter Wardle yesterday surprised his classmates when he sang and played his valedictory address.

"When he first was named valedictorian of the class, he thought he would be unable to it. But he came into my room one day and said he had written the lyrics and the music to be used for his address," said Linda Harter, Wardle's high school vocal music teacher.

Harter said Wardle hopes to make a tape of the song and send it to producers this summer. His original composition:

"When I'm all alone and sad
I think of memories I've had
And I see all of your faces."
Chorus:
"Through the years I'll always be that special friend
you will always need
I will be there forever.
If you're ever feeling down,
know I'll always be around.
All you have to do is call
And I will be there.
We know our futures are so bright
They always seemed so far from sight
Now we can't wait to get there.
Remember now how nice it's been
We'll never do it again.
Move ahead, but just don't
lose those special times."


Repeat chorus

"You've always meant so much to me
But now it's time and we must leave
But I believe and you should know
......we go
We'll never really be apart
You'll never lose what's in your heart."