Class of ’03 sets sights on future.
By: Rebecca Tokarz
With great anticipation, one family watched and waited for their graduate to make his way onto the arena floor of Sovereign Bank Arena on June 19.
Asking under their breath to one another where their "Christopher" was, the family watched as droves of graduates made their way onto the arena floor and walked to the back of the graduate seating before moving toward the front rows.
The graduates stood in alternate rows of boys and girls girls wearing yellow gowns and the boys dressed in black and looked on as their classmates made their way toward their seats.
"Oh look, there’s Christopher," one woman said, pointing toward a row of boys just making its way into view.
"Where? Oh, there! Hi, Christopher," shouted another woman in the "Christopher" cheering section.
The proud family of four was only a small part of the nearly 2,500 people who sat in the stands at Sovereign Bank Arena to watch the 497-member SBHS Class of 2003 receive the ticket to their future their high school diploma.
Principal Frank Ingargiola welcomed the graduates and their loved ones and reminded them to live up to the challenges that lie ahead before handing the program over to Salutatorian Matthew E. Chin, who called on his classmates to remember life’s simplicities.
"High school has nurtured us until we were ready to be on our own," he said. "We’re forced to take responsibility for our successes and failures. As we bid farewell, take the time to think about the simplicity of life we are leaving and what is to come."
Before turning the microphone over to Valedictorian Bonnie E. Lin, the SBHS Concert Choir sang "If You Fall," a song written by graduate Timothy Ouyang.
Bonnie reminded her classmates about the significance of choices during her class address.
"Whether we are moving onto college, careers or the military, we are moving on to great independence and choices.
"We have the forces to be great. We can’t control other people’s actions, but we can control our reactions," Bonnie said.
She called high school a time for growth, exploration and change, but the things she’s gained from her experience there are things Bonnie will take with her throughout her life.
"I may have lost watches, gym shorts, and way too much sleep," she said. "But I’ve gained knowledge and wisdom."
The SBHS Wind Ensemble then performed and Student Council President Pratik Patel introduced Sam Stewart, who addressed his last graduating class as its superintendent of schools.
"I have special and warm feelings and affection for this graduating class. You were in the second grade when I arrived back then, I was taller than you. Through the years, I’ve watched you grow. I know so many of you by name," Dr. Stewart said.
Graduates, faculty and parents observed a moment of silence honoring the work and lives of Channing "Parker" Clapp and Bill Kennedy two faculty members who died during the school year.
Mr. Kennedy, a 52-year-old North Brunswick resident, worked at the high school as a history and psychology teacher at for 17 years before taking a medical leave of absence last June and dying Dec. 1, 2002.
Mr. Clapp taught automotive technology classes at the high school for 27 years before falling ill in April and taking a leave of absence from his teaching duties. The 57-year-old Whiting resident died May 20.
"Bill was known for his love of ideas, travel, students and people. Parker was a strong, playful, pro-kid advocate," said Dr. Stewart.
Graduate Ross Winiarz said he would be attending Middlesex County Community College in the fall and would follow in the footsteps of his late teacher, Mr. Clapp.
"He always encouraged to me to do my best to succeed," Ross said after graduation.
The graduating class was presented with diplomas by school board President Robert Long, as members of the senior class cabinet read the names.
After four years of studying, taking tests, attending and performing in sporting and musical productions, the graduating class is ready to move forward, but not without first wishing each other well before parting ways.
Graduate Dana Murray advised her classmates to do their best in whatever path they choose after graduation.
"Do whatever it takes," Dana said.
Classmate Erin Onuschak complimented her fellow graduates on a job well done.
"Congrats to the Class of 2003. It feels amazing to be done," she said after receiving some congratulatory hugs from her family.
Surrounded by his family, Ross said it felt great, but weird to be done with the high school chapter of his life.
"It feels great to be done. I’m kind of going to miss it," he said.
Shannon Baker took a different look at graduating. She said it would have been more fitting to end her high school years during a ceremony at the school, not in Trenton, but she made the most of it.
"It was different. It wasn’t our school’s home territory. All in all, it was really nice," Shannon said.
For loved ones, graduation is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates and discuss their future endeavors.
"She sure did a great job," said Richard Murray, father of graduate Dana, after snapping a photo of his daughter in her cap and gown and pulling her into an embrace. "Now she’s on to bigger and better things."
Watching her daughter Erin hug a classmate, mother Marian Onuschak looked back on her daughter’s musical successes throughout her time in school.
"I am so proud," she said of Erin’s accomplishment. "It’s gonna be hard not seeing her play the trombone. She’s been playing since the fourth grade."
Donna Winiarz wished her son, Ross, and his classmates well and told them all to mind their p’s and q’s.
"Congratulations and best wishes to him and the graduating class," Ms. Winiarz said while watching Ross pose for pictures with members of his extended family. "Good luck in all your endeavors and behave."
Marie Sock couldn’t contain her pride when she started to talk about the accomplishments of her grandson, Brian.
"Words can’t express how proud I am of him," she said while holding her grandson’s hand. She added that he’s the first grandchild to graduate from high school. "I only wish his grandfather could see this."
Brian’s mother, Donna Socks, said she did her share of crying during graduation.
"I think he’s great. It’s been a great day the years just went by very fast. It’s very emotional," Ms. Socks said.
Family friend Jennifer Webb was beaming with pride as she and graduate Shannon Baker searched the droves of families after graduation for Shannon’s family.
"This is one of the greatest girls I know," Jennifer said. "She’s gonna go far I have faith in her. She has a special plan."