Each graduate walks towards their diploma with their strengths.
Oakwood’s Alyssa Romito strength is learning.
“I realized at a young age that I was very good at learning,” Romito said. “This caused me to want to learn everything that I possibly could. The opportunity to learn is very special to me. I have realized that without the opportunity my teachers gave me I would not be where I am today.”
On her way to becoming a Class of 2020 Valedictorian, Romito had support.
“My entire family was behind me becoming Valedictorian,” she said.
“Two of my teachers, Mr. Odle and Mr. Hicks also encouraged me along the way to do my very best in everything. When I wanted to quit someone else would push me to get back up. Knowing that I had these people behind me in everything I did was super comforting and encouraging.”
Coming into the 2019-2020 school year, Romito had a case of senioritis. That was quickly cured by being with the Oakwood volleyball team.
“Volleyball proved to be much more fun than I expected and I enjoyed screaming down the hallways with my friends,” she said.
The season ended with her name being added to the Vermilion Valley All-Conference list, the Vermilion County All-County team and being nominated for the Sportsmanship Award, alongside the memory of winning conference and county titles.
The reward of making lifelong friends also kept Romito participating in FCA, WYSE team and band.
“My highschool is a special place because of the amount of school spirit it has,” she said. “I have never been to a school who cares more about school pride than Oakwood High School.”
Romito will take her love of learning and the lessons she learned during her teenage years to Parkland College where she will prepare to attend a four-year university where she can study Architectural Engineering.
From the time she spent with teachers and friends, she knows how important it is to surround oneself with supportive people who come from a place of encouragement.
“The final lesson I will take with me is to never give up even when life gets rough,” she said.
The last eight weeks has not been as tough on Romito as it has some other high school seniors.
“To me, these last eight weeks have been amazing!” she said.
“I was given the chance to move in with my mom two months before I had planned too. I also really enjoy online learning. It gives me the chance to spend more time with family and to have more freedom when I do my learning. I also learn a lot better on my own.
“Going into graduation, I could not be more excited to end this chapter of my life and move onto bigger and better things.”
