Home Background Testimonials Student Programs Adult Programs Video Clips Recent Clients In The News On The Farm Contact Information	Senior Send-Off Turner Ashby Says Goodbye To Class Of 2008 Andrea Lohr, a two-time breast cancer survivor and wife of Del. Matt Lohr, R-Broadway, delivers the keynote address at the Turner Ashby High School commencement Saturday. Lohr, using her battle with cancer as an example, told TA's 266 graduates to set goals and never give up. Photo by Michael Reilly June 9, 2008 - Daily News Record - Pete DeLea BRIDGEWATER - Motivational speaker and two-time breast cancer survivor Andrea Lohr mixed humor with wisdom Saturday morning to encourage Turner Ashby High School's graduating class to experience life and conquer their challenges. As the commencement speaker for the Class of 2008, Lohr described how her bouts with cancer made her a stronger person. "My life has been better since [my diagnosis], said Lohr, the wife of state Del. Matt Lohr, R-Broadway. "Your experiences build you into what you are." She encouraged the 266 graduates to set goals, even small ones, and strive toward meeting them. "It doesn't have to be something big, but you to have to climb mountains. Climb hard and climb high," Lohr told the students as they sat on Turner Ashby's football field. "There were times that I wanted to give up but we can't do that." Class Leaders Speak For one of the two class speakers, Paul Johnson, graduation day was a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the last four years. "Four years ago I was the quiet kid in class," Johnson said. "Over the years, I learned to break out of my shell. These past four years have shaped me into the man I am today." Fellow class speaker, Ashley Heatwole, said he anticipated graduation day for while. "I have waited for this moment for a very long time," said Heatwole, the senior class vice president. Heatwole told his fellow classmates that the future will be filled with uncertainties but they shouldn't worry or stress about the future. "Don't look too far ahead," he said. "Embrace the present. Everything to come will come as it is." ‘It's The Final Step' For many graduates, the pomp and circumstance was just one of several educational milestones to come. Like a number of his classmates, Chris Springer, 17, of Rockingham County, will be attending college in the fall. Springer plans on enrolling in Bridgewater College to major psychology. In addition to skating, he said he's going to miss a lot about his high school years. "I'm going to miss all my friends and teachers that helped me get through high school," said Springer, the son of Kelly Springer and Debbie Marco. Sara Ketterman, 18, of Rockingham County plans to major in accounting starting this fall at Virginia Tech. Ketterman said graduation can be sad as many classmates go there separate ways. But, it's necessary, she said."It's the final step," said Ketterman, the daughter of Donna Joe and Allen Ketterman. "It's our way out." Despite leaving town, she'll be talking to her friends. "We're still going to see each other," Ketterman said. "We'll keep in close contact." Contact Pete DeLea at 574-6278 or pdelea@dnronline.com