The parking lot was full and the auditorium packed.

Shouts of congratulations erupted from the audience last night even before the York County High School class of 2007 received their diplomas. Family and friends all turned out at the York Suburban Middle School to applaud and support this year's class of 117 students.

This graduation was not that of ordinary high school students, as the president of the joint board of school directors, Ellen C. Freireich, said in her address to the graduates.

"Imagine if you will, a high school without a band, but whose students march to the beat of their own drum," she said.

York County High School, an alternative to conventional high school, is home to students who find its self-study system a better fit for their needs. Freireich said this school's existence is a continuing reminder that there are many routes to success.

Students are eligible for enrollment if they are between the ages of 17 and 20, have dropped out of school and reside in one of the participating districts. Adults 21 and older may also attend at no cost if they reside in York County.

Students are allowed to work at their own pace and make their own schedule as long as they complete their classwork.

One of the adult graduates, Evelyn Vargas, told the audience and said that some students have attended the school for a few months, others a few years.

Kesi Weedon, the final speaker, spoke of her own personal trials in high school.

"There

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were so many time that I wanted to give up, so many times that I wanted to just stay home and sleep," Weedon said.

She praised the staff by saying that the faculty at York County High School spoke to her as if they really cared.

"This was the most support I have ever received from a school," Weedon said.

Graduate Paul Mialki told all those who are continuing with their education not to give up, and to stick with it. His beaming smile made his feelings of excitement at finally graduating evident.

Graduating from a school where people came from 12 different school districts and dozens of different backgrounds made for a diversity seen few other places, Weedon said.

"All of us had our own stories, but we all ended up here," she said.

She ended her speech with words of congratulation for her classmates.

"You may have been told that you would never amount to anything," Weedon said. "But look around, we did it."

- Reach Elizabeth Wilson at 854-1575 or news@yorkdispatch.com.