FRHSD seniors ready
to take one giant step
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
The six high schools in the Freehold Regional High School District held graduation ceremonies last evening in exercises that marked the end of high school for 2,400 young adults.
"This has been a terrific year," said Superintendent of Schools James Wasser. "The class of 2004 has impressed me not only with their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, but also by their compassion, tolerance, enthusiasm and service ethic. The future is in great hands."
At Howell High School, 364 students graduated. The high school band and chorus, and the vocal group Rebel Yell performed at the ceremony. The band, under the direction of Anthony Limaldi, performed "Pomp and Circumstance," "Here’s to the Night" and "Sine Nominje."
The chorus and Rebel Yell under the direction of Joseph Cantaffa highlighted the program with "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "I Believe I Can Fly."
The class of 2004 is the first graduating class for Principal Zina Duerbig. The members of the class have been awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarship money.
"I am proud to be your principal," Duerbig said. "As you go into the future, always remember that it takes only one person to make a difference in the community as well as the world."
A memorial diploma was presented to the parents of Amanda Faith Reo.
Wasser presented the class of 2004 and FRHSD Board of Education members Ron Lawson and Terry Kraft awarded the diplomas.
Commencement at Colts Neck High School was held for 250 graduating seniors who marched to the processional "Pomp and Circumstance," played by the high school band under the direction of Jack Maniaci. The band played and students Samantha Ashley Croce and Erica L. Kinsella sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Noting the loss of a Colts Neck senior this year, Principal Wayne McChesney said, "The tragic loss of one of our classmates affected us all. I congratulate you on how you handled that situation and for the compassion you showed Michael Anzano’s family."
Suzanne Koegler, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, presented the class of 2004 and board member Christopher Placitella distributed diplomas to the graduates.
At Freehold Township High School, graduation ceremonies were held for 473 students.
"The class of 2004 brought Freehold Township High School to new levels of distinction on the local, state and national scene in the areas of academics, co-curricular activities and sports," said Principal Anthony Procopio.
The band, under the direction of Edward Gattsek, played several selectionsduring the ceremony including "West Highland Sojourn," "Liberty Bell March," "Satchmo!" and "Pomp and Circumstance." Senior choir members sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."
In keeping with the school’s tradition of bringing back a student from the class that graduated five years ago, last night’s guest speaker was Meryl Gail Rosen, the class of 1999 salutatorian.
Frank Tanzini, assistant superintendent for personnel, presented the class of 2004 and board member Chia Whitehouse awarded the diplomas.
In Freehold Borough, ceremonies were held for 263 graduates at Freehold High School. Joan Saylor, assistant superintendent for business administration, presented the class of 2004 and board member Bernice Hammer awarded the seniors their diplomas.
Manalapan High School saw 557 members of the class of 2004 march to the sounds of the Manalapan High School band playing "Pomp and Circumstance." Patricia Emmerman, assistant superintendent of student services, presented the graduating class and board members Patricia Horvath and Diana Cappiello awarded diplomas to the graduates.
Marlboro High School held graduation ceremonies for 520 seniors. Donna Evangelista, administrative supervisor, human resources, presented the Class of 2004 and board member Bonnie Rosenwald distributed diplomas to the graduates.
The names of the FRHSD valedictorians and salutatorians were not available at the time the Tri-Town News went to press.
Students from Howell attend the six schools in the Freehold Regional High School District.