PLUMSTED — An impressive group of seniors has graduated from New Egypt High School. On June 25, 124 young men and women marked a milestone in their lives and became the newest alumni of New Egypt High School.
In his address to students, parents, teachers, administrators and family members, Plumsted Superintendent of Schools Mark DeMareo said, “It has been both a challenge and a joy to raise your child, and today is a very special day that marks their entry into the adult world. A high school diploma will give each of these excited young people an opportunity to be the best person they can be.”
DeMareo said whether the graduates join the armed forces, seek a career in public service, or simply volunteer at the community level, their generation will be asked to contribute to the well-being of the country, and he said it is very important that each of them makes a commitment to be involved in civic activities. He said it is no longer acceptable to sit on the sidelines and watch as the world goes by.
DeMareo said the new graduates must identify the challenges and provide the solutions, not for the generations that came before them, but for themselves and for future generations.
In his remarks, Principal Thomas G. Farrell noted the qualities of this year’s graduating class.
“The members of the class of 2010 quietly went about their business,” Farrell said. “They received the highest test scores of any graduating class to date. They also received record dollars in academic awards and scholarships.”
He said it is no accident that so many of the graduates will be moving on to college.
Steven Lyle delivered the honors address. He will attend Rutgers University’s doctoral program in pharmacy.
In addition to the significant contributions these students made to the high school community, the class of 2010 now holds the record, $2.5 million, for receiving the most academic scholarship and college grant money of any class in the history of New Egypt High School.
That is a testament to the tradition of excellence pursued by all New Egypt students, faculty and staff, said Farrell.
The class of 2010 had 70 graduates who received a total of 115 accepted scholarships, awards and/or grants from colleges and universities.
There were 52 graduates who earned $75,000 in scholarships and/or awards supported by groups or organizations within the school community.
Graduates Erica Dey, Michele Dey, Ryan Gilbert, James Levanduski, John Levorse, Steven Lyle and Stephanie Potter were named Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars.
About 85 percent of the graduates will be moving on to post-secondary education or to service in the military.
Graduates were accepted to a variety of colleges and universities, including Rutgers University, Lehigh, Holy Cross, The College of New Jersey, Clemson, the University of Rhode Island, Rider University, Loyola University, Drexel University, Monmouth University and Pace University.
During the ceremony, Plumsted School District Board of Education President Harry Miller presented the Friend of Education Award to Karen Amburgey.