BY LARRY HLAVENKA JR.
Staff Writer

LAKEWOOD - On June 20 at 6:30 p.m. Lakewood High School will celebrate the graduation of the class of 2006.

The ceremony will take place on the high school football field. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the school gymnasium.

School officials said a group of about 250 seniors will don caps and gowns in the school colors of blue and white.

Superintendent of Schools Edward Luick said the class of 2006 class is a special group of young adults.

"I think this class is one that has been committed to improving themselves," he said. "[They] were extremely well-balanced. We had strong academic students, [others] in the arts and in athletics."

The superintendent said the district has tried to evolve and improve the quality of education being offered to today's students.

"In today's day-and-age, they're moving into an age of information," Luick said. "Hopefully, we have prepared them to move into new ventures."

Luick also appreciated the graduates' social responsibility.

"We have a number of students involved in community activities to help others," he said. "I'd like to wish them well in their future endeavors that lay before them."

During the graduation ceremony, student speaker Paula Iwaniuk will address her peers. Her remarks were chosen from a host of others during a tryout.

Valedictorian Mark Alpert and salutatorian Ryan Bauer will also be honored.

LHS Principal David Clauser commended the graduates' work.

"While the class of 2006 is my first gradating class as the principal of Lakewood High School, there are strong indications that this is a special group of students," Clauser said. "A large number of them exemplify the goals we strive for here. In just one year, I've seen many accomplishments and achievements of which we can all be proud. I wish them all the very best."