Congratulations to the New Smyrna Beach High School Class of 2012 and its impressive president

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Congratulations to the graduating class of New Smyrna Beach High School. Seeing that the number of graduates totaled 392 reminded me of my own graduation in 1964. At that time the old high school on the North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach was brand new and our class consisted of 66 pupils. Our ceremony was at the school itself and we with our family and friends all fit without a problem.

How things have changed.

Now the venue has to be much larger as did the school, which retired our old stomping grounds and moved to 10th St. to a larger campus with more parking, which was badly needed. The teachers remained as dedicated as my teachers were way back when. These 2012 graduates have to find a place in the world against educations from all over the world.

NSBHS Class of 2012 President Caitlyn ZonaHeadline Surfer photo by Sera Frederick / Caitlyn Zona, 17, of New Smyrna Beach and president of the 2012 graduating class of New Smyrna Beach High School, addresses her classmates during the commencement exercise at the Ocean Center Saturday in Daytona Beach.

I hope that the education each received measures up. All the latest FCAT troubles are worrisome. From the looks of it, though, these local graduates will do just fine. Watching Class President, Caitlyn Zona's speech to her classmates, recorded by and shown on this Internet newspaper site, Headline Surfer (HeadlineSurfer.com), showed how well educated she was, not only in book learning as some call it, but also in the fact that she encouraged her classmates to get involved in their communities and to volunteer as she has done. This young lady's introduction showed she was involved in many different endeavors making her a well rounded person. Her speech showed a very down to earth and knowledgeable person who I can see going far.

It's easy to see why she was class president. I am as proud of this class as I was of my own back in the days of the song “Comes a Cuda” which we had recorded on 45s and sold as a project for chorus that year. I still have my copy. Anyone out there remember that?

Again, congratulations and kudos to the Class of 2012 here everywhere else across the nation. Before we know it, you will be running our country and I feel you will all do us proud.