Finding their pot of gold
By: Matt Egan
MONROE A bright, majestic rainbow appeared in the sky just as members of the Class of 2005 threw their caps in the air and walked away from high school for the last time on Wednesday.
Aside from the potential to find a pot of gold somewhere at Monroe Township High School, graduation ceremonies featured educators and administrators reminding seniors that graduation is both a beginning and an end.
"Yes, this evening is a conclusion of a process called formal education," said Superintendent Ralph Ferrie to the class. "Tonight is a beginning as well. You do not end your life as a high school student, so much as you begin your life as an adult in an adult world. Grab hold of that tomorrow, build it to a bright and shining future. Believe that it is amazing what you can do."
One of the evening’s honored guests, James Ball, Class of 1980, spoke to graduates about giving some of their time to volunteer work.
"My challenge to each of you is to get involved," said Dr. Ball, who works with children with autism. "If it is only an hour a month, do it. You never know what you will get out of it."
Administrators and distinguished seniors spent the evening trying to define graduation and success while showing the limitless potential of the Class of 2005.
"Tonight marks a turning point in your lives," said Board of Education President Kathy Kolupanowich. "Tonight your childhood ends and the responsibilities of adulthood begin."
"As you chart your course, many roads lie ahead," said Monroe Township High School Principal Frank Kasyan. "Be decisive. You are about to enter a world where you will no longer be judged by grades, but by character."
Valedictorian Simranjeet Sran said he thinks of graduation as more of a crossroads in their lives than a beginning or end. "Today, I see this commencement as an intersection," said Simranjeet. "Not like Perrineville and School House roads, but the Parkway and the Turnpike. There will be more intersections."
Simranjeet, who plans on attending Rutgers University in the fall and majoring in cell biology, urged his classmates to never give up.
"Success is not achieving a particular goal, but not giving up," he said. "It is much better to play and lose than to forfeit."
Salutatorian Yushen Qian imagined what the future will hold for his classmates and looked back on the class’ accomplishments.
"I fantasize about what you will accomplish down the road," said Yushen, who will be attending Duke University and majoring in biochemistry.
"We have come together for these past four years and shared a special experience. I can’t help but ponder in awe what you’ve achieved this year. I know that you will be successful because of your drive and determination."
Dr. Ferrie and Dr. Kasyan conveyed how the seniors should measure their future successes.
"My hope for each of you is that you conquer Mt. Everest," said Dr. Ferrie.
"A successful life should not be measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away," said Dr. Kasyan. "I wish the Class of 2005 many moments that take your breath away."
Wednesday evening was also a time for the seniors to look back on their accomplishments and reminisce.
"Somewhere during these years, between the ABC’s and calculus, we grew up," said senior class President Lindsey Pritzlaff. "I know in my now aching heart that the time we spent together meant something. We laughed together and we’ve grown together. The truth is, it was the best of times."
The educators agreed that the class had accomplished a great deal and had grown tremendously while pursuing academic excellence.
"No matter how diverse you appear to be, you came together for a common goal," said Kari Forwood, senior class co-advisor. "I learned that you are persistent and dedicated to your goals. The difference between you in September of 2001 and June 2005 shows the amazing growth of your class."
Dr. Kasyan told the crowd that Monroe High School is more than just a school.
"In my mind, I see Monroe Township High School as not just a place, but an idea," said Dr. Kasyan. "It’s an experiment in excellence."
Class of 2005 members made sure not to forget the people who helped guide them to graduation their parents and teachers.
"We should never forget those special teachers," Yushen said, thanking the educators who stayed after school and went above and beyond.
"They coached us, they motivated us, they inspired us and, most of all, they cared for us," Lindsey said, referring to the teachers at Monroe High School.
"I hope that you will be able to look back on your lives and know you’ve made your parents and teachers proud," said Ms. Kolupanowich.
All of the parents and teachers in the audience got a special round of applause from the Class of 2005.
"May the wind always be at your back and may the sun always shine upon you," the district’s business administrator, Wayne Holliday, said to the graduates.