By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
CRANBURY — It was the last days that they would be sauntering down those bustling hallways, but to some of Cranbury School’s eighth-graders this past week was a bittersweet ending to an era they won’t soon forget.
”It’s all the little things,” said eighth-grader Marilyn Vaccaro when asked what she would miss the most. “It’s amazing how close you get to these people. It’s like they’re your siblings.”
About 70 students will go through Friday’s graduation ceremonies together, but after the grab and shake is over, the robe has been flung into the attic and the gift cards counted, these students are prepared to go their separate ways.
Scattered between high schools like Peddie, Lawrenceville and Princeton, the Class of 2009 appears to be headed in different directions but sharing a common fear.
”All these people you’ve been friends with,” said eighth-grader Taylor Panconi. “I’m afraid we won’t be as close.”
But as one student mentioned, along with a new school, teachers and peers, the transition into high school can be a welcome change.
”It’ll be a new opportunity to learn new things,” said eight-grader Andrew Johnson.
Of course, they’ll always have their memories, too.
”You don’t start liking (school) until the last day,” Marilyn kiddingly said to her classmates.
But when all is said and done, these students won’t just be leaving with a diploma, but rather with some life-altering lessons.
”Try hard and you’ll do well,” said eighth-grader Zach Izzo, adding that being a Cranbury student had been an “intense” experience.
The eighth-grade graduation ceremonies will be held today (Friday) in the school’s gymnasium, 23A N. Main Street, at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on the event contact Cranbury School at 609-395-1700.

