by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
Another school year has passed, and another South Brunswick High School senior class is heading out to make its mark on the world.
The more than 600 members of the Class of 2008 gathered at Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton on Monday to mark the high school’s 47th commencement, nearly filling the arena with the graduates’ families and friends.
The school band’s rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” filled the building as the teenagers filed in for their final exercise as high school students.
Excitement in the building was high as the crowd cheered for their grads like diehard fans at one of the arena’s sporting events.
”I hope you will act deliberately to create a rich and full life,” SBHS Principal Tim Matheney told the class. “I encourage you to make your own path, and live life in vivid moments.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Mr. Matheney, Superintendent Gary McCartney, Class President Nicolette Datri and Student Council President Jeffrey White.
Valedictorian Veena Raju and Salutatorian Nicholas Dou also addressed the crowd.
Though many of the graduates will be heading onto different paths, the student speakers sounded notes of unity for their class.
”Remember that you will always have the 617 friends here,” Jeffrey said. “You will always have the Class of 2008.”
The sentiment was shared by Nicholas.
”I know all of you will remember who you are and where you came from, the South Brunswick Class of 2008,” he said.
After the speeches, all 617 names were called, and the teens shifted their tassels from one side to the other, before tossing their hats in the air in celebration.
Like many other high school seniors who came before them, the new grads were both excited after the ceremony.
”It was nerve-racking, but very exciting,” Jackie Abate said.
”It’s the greatest thing ever, so far,” Kathleen Anderson said.
Parents of the new grads felt a range of emotions during and after the event, as their pride and excitement mixed with the bittersweet feeling of their children growing up.
”It’s just a great feeling to know they are going to go on from here,” said Peter Argese, whose son Christopher graduated.
”It’s sad but happy,” said Margie Atwater, whose daughter Ilana graduated. “It’s amazing how she has gotten older and I haven’t.”