Two at top enjoyed
parallel experiences
By jamie dougher
Staff Writer
Farrel Silverman
MONROE — Two boys, township residents since birth, grew up as childhood friends within walking distance of each other’s house.
Throughout their schooling, they both discovered a love for music and played the trumpet in various school bands. They worked diligently, coveting interests in biology and focusing on future careers in medicine.
And on June 26, both Brandon Goldberg and Farrel Silverman will give speeches at Monroe High School’s graduation ceremony as the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for their class of 245 students — the largest class Monroe High School has seen to date.
"I’m very satisfied because working throughout high school has finally gotten me somewhere," Silverman said. "It’s thrilling to see that I get all this acknowledgment."
Brandon Goldberg
Silverman will attend The College of New Jersey, Ewing, in the fall, while Goldberg is headed for Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.
Goldberg’s interest in medicine, specifically anesthesiology, stems from the 12 surgeries he underwent when he was younger as the result of being born with a deformed hand.
"[My hand] wasn’t that good to start with, but now I can use it," he said.
Goldberg and Silverman both took all honors and advanced placement classes in high school.
"I found that I got a lot out of paying attention in class," Silverman said. "Fortunately, I have a pretty good memory and I’m good at retaining knowledge."
Goldberg was the leader of the trumpet section, of which Silverman was a part, for the high school marching band. They participated in the concert and jazz bands as well.
Both students said their fondest memories of high school will be of the trips they took each spring with the band.
"It was an amazing experience to be with such a close group of friends in the band," Silverman said.
The band went to Orlando in April and performed on the Tomorrow Land stage in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
"I had a blast," Goldberg said. "That was probably the pinnacle of my high school experience."
Goldberg participated in a variety of activities in high school, serving as the community service chair of the National Honor Society. Through his father, a nursing home administrator, he was able to set up a computer lab for senior citizens at the New Jersey Geriatrics Center. Goldberg taught patients there lessons and continues to work on securing additional grants to purchase more computers.
"My first student is now e-mailing her grandchildren in Florida," he said.
Both Goldberg and Silverman participated in the Academic Team, with Goldberg serving as captain.
They also played tennis in high school, Goldberg for two years and Silverman for four, including a term as captain during his senior year.
Goldberg and Silverman credit their parents with helping them achieve their successes.
"I’ve always gotten a lot of support from my parents," Silverman said. "They’ve always encouraged me to do nothing less than try my best at school."
Although neither would reveal the subject of his speech, each said they felt honored to be at the top of their class.
"It’s quite a feeling knowing that, out of such a big group, I’m in the top half-percent," Silverman said. "It’s such an honor to know I was able to achieve such an accomplishment in high school."