Graduation ceremony for 27
By: Nicole Taylor
Feelings of joy mingled with sorrow, and excitement mixed with nervousness.
That’s just a small example of the emotions many eighth-grade students graduating from St. Augustine of Canterbury School were feeling June 7.
The students marched to the church’s front pews in a long processional, dressed in blue, while family and friends watched supportively and gave them small smiles of encouragement and pride.
“I thought this was probably one of the most interesting groups we’ve had,” said principal, Brother Ronald Cairns. “They were very active and friendly to each other. They were a happy group.”
Before the ceremony began, students said they had mixed feelings about the transition.
“I’m excited, and a little nervous to graduate,” said 14-year-old Carissa Berardi, who will attend South Brunswick High School. “The transition will probably be a little difficult, but I can’t wait because it is a bigger school.”
Jaclyn Cirillo, who will attend Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, was also apprehensive.
“I’m excited, happy, nervous and sad,” said the 13-year-old Jaclyn. “It will be good to meet new people and it is a bigger step in life.”
The mood was light when Brother Ronald addressed the graduates. He said he learned a lot from the outgoing class, including inside jokes that he would only share with his students.
“When you teach this group you learn more than you expect,” he said.
As the students were called up one by one to receive their diplomas, flashes from dozens of cameras lit up the church.
During the ceremony, students Jenny Brandes, Pam Selvarajah, Marie Tommasino and Katie Stelnek talked about their time at the school, and what the future holds.
“From our first communion to confirmation, we’ve grown physically and spiritually,” said Pam during her speech.
Katie continued, “Tonight we are leaving with feelings of joy and feelings of sorrow. Joy that we are going to a new high school, and sorrow that we are leaving our friends behind.”
Parents said they were confident the transition would be successful.
Rob Brandes, whose 13-year-old daughter, Jenny, will attend South Brunswick High School, said he was very proud of her.
“I know it’ll be a big transition, because I’ve been through it once with my other daughter,” he said. “She’ll be fine.”
After graduation, the 27 students will go on to area public and private high schools.
“A good number are placed into an accelerated program in high school,” Brother Cairns said. “Thirteen are going to Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, the rest will go to South Brunswick High School, North Brunswick High School or St. Joseph’s in Metuchen.”
Rebecca Urban chose to continue her son’s Roman Catholic education “because the schools have more to offer.” Her son Ryan, 14, will attend Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville.
“It will be a big transition because he is going from having 27 kids in his graduating class to a freshman class of 350,” she said. “But he’s excited.”
Following the award and scholarship ceremony, Carissa, Jaclyn, Lauren Maslowski and Katie Stelnick gave the “Presentation to Parents,” a speech thanking parents for their support during their years at the school.
“Thank you for dedicating your time and love and for giving us the encouragement to learn and grow,” said Carissa.
The students left their pews to present their parents with a rose and a card. Parents and children embraced and the graduates returned to their seats, leaving a few parents teary eyed.
“There are parents who say they care, and then there are parents who show they care. They are all of you,” said Lauren.