By Maria Prato, Staff Writer
JAMESBURG Attention was centered on the 60 students draped in crimson and white gowns, teens on the cusp of bright futures as they said one final farewell to Grace M. Breckwedel Middle School at their graduation ceremony Tuesday.
District Superintendent Gail Verona opened the ceremony, reminding the students that wherever their futures may lead, they should go with integrity, empathy and the golden rule.
Graduation day was one to be cherished a time to revel in the now and plan for the future, she reminded students, as she read from Michael J. Fox’s book “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future.”
”I’m sure there’s no shortage of parents, mothers and fathers who are a part of your story just as you are a part of theirs,” she read. “But the moment belongs only to you. Reflect on your dreams and what’s important to you.”
Board of Education President Darren Larsen had his own words of wisdom to pass on to the graduating Class of 2010.
”Try to find the positive in all you do,” he said. “Seize the opportunities and cherish them. Failure at a very minimum means you’ve tried.”
During her speech, Valedictorian Danielle Rutsky relived the field trips and the good times shared with her classmates, many of whom she said she has known since kindergarten.
The packed gymnasium got to relive those moments too, when a slide show produced everything from photos of children in braids engrossed with their toys, to young men and women dressed to the hilt as they made their way to a final dance.
”We came in big fish in the pond, soon to be small fish in the sea,” said eighth-grader Marissa Lucas as she read from a poem she co-authored with classmate Julia Longo.
Many of the students at the ceremony were following in their parents’ footsteps, said speaker and faculty member Josephine Madden.
”I’ve been to 31 one of these,” the veteran schoolteacher said. “I remember your parents looked as lovely and handsome as you do now. I was proud of them and I’m very proud of you.”
But as every new generation walks through the GMB halls and each graduate’s time there comes to a close, there’s one trait they all leave with, a sense of family and pride.
”You’re not alone,” said Ms. Madden. “You’re from Jamesburg, remember that. You always have friends.”
”You’re from Jamesburg,” Mayor Anthony LaMantia added. “Keep your heads held high. Be proud of Jamesburg, because we’re proud of you.”
