More than 360 students are graduating Friday when Kent State University at East Liverpool and Kent State University at Salem hold their graduation ceremonies. One student is senior Michael Crook, who is graduating with the highest honor of Summa Cum Laude. Crook said earning his bachelor’s degree and working part-time was not easy, but he’s glad he never gave up.

“It took me five years, but I stuck with it,” he said. Crook urges others to continue. “Even if it seems difficult at first, it becomes easier the more you learn.”

This year Randy Calhoun, director of Buckeye Online School for Success (BOSS) will give the commencement address. A lifelong resident of Columbiana County, Calhoun is a 1966 graduate of East Liverpool High School and a 1970 graduate of Kent State University.

“It’s an honor having Randy speak,” said Dean Jeff Nolte. “He understands the power of education and is passionate about students. He will be an inspiration to our graduates and their families.”

After graduating from Kent State University, Calhoun taught and coached for the East Liverpool City School District for 30 years.  Upon retiring, he took a position at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School in Midland, Penn. Later in his career he was asked to help charter an Ohio Cyber Charter School, which became Buckeye Online School for Success. Calhoun was designated director in September 2005.  As a past president of the East Liverpool Kiwanis, Calhoun now serves on the East Liverpool YMCA board, and is a member of the Elks Lodge 258.  He has been married 40 years to his wife Melody, has two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Graduation ceremonies will take place this Friday for both Kent State University at East Liverpool and Kent State University at Salem. Kent State East Liverpool will hold its ceremony in the gymnasium of the East Liverpool YMCA located at 500 East 4th Street at 5:30 p.m. Kent State Salem's  ceremony will follow at 7:30 p.m. at the Salem City Center located at 230 North Lincoln Street in Salem. For more information regarding the ceremonies please call Kent State East Liverpool at 330-385-3805 or Kent State Salem at 330-332-0361.