MANSFIELD: Class of 2011

NBC seniors urged to ‘take control’

By Amber Cox, Staff Writer
   MANSFIELD — Northern Burlington County Regional High School’s 269 seniors celebrated their graduation Friday night.
   The graduation was held inside a packed Middle School gym as parents and friends watched their loved ones receive their diplomas.
   Student Council President and senior Allye McLaughlin told the students to remember the past for years, reminding them that no matter who they were know as in school they all had a part to play.
   ”These past four years molded us,” she said. “Along the way we not only learned about each other but we began to discover ourselves. Together we pushed through it all. We must take what we have learned over the years and move forward with all we can achieve.”
   Allye reminded her fellow classmates to remember those friends they have made through the years and that only they can decide where to go from here.
   Senior Kaitlyn Haley delivered the senior address and spoke about how she used to tell everyone that one day she would be doing it.
   ”How can you summarize a place like Northern?” she said. “In the past four years we’ve been on tons of roller coaster rides from that first hot day in August at freshman orientation and ending where we are tonight, we met so many amazing people, shared so many memories and overcome a variety of obstacles.”
   Kaitlyn said that “big scary place” that was Northern Burlington Regional County High school is now home. Every year seniors ranked within the top 20 percent of their class can submit a parent recognition speech to the administration and this year, senior Heather Shinn honored her father and Marcus Cowen honored his mother.
   Heather said that it’s no secret that she has a love for agriculture and animals but credits it all to her dad.
   ”He is the one who opened my eyes to what a critical industry agriculture is,” she said. “My dad has taught me so many lessons and been a role model my whole life. Dad, I will always be your little girl.”
   Marcus thanked his mom for always pushing him through academics and reminding him to work hard.
   ”She is the one person who has supported me through everything,” he said. “She made me the young man I am today. In the end, she’s still my ‘mommy’ and I love her with all of my heart. I say I have three best friends but my true best friend is my mom, and I know I’m hers.”
   Senior Poonam Narotam gave the Graduation Address to her fellow classmates and reminded them that because of change they are who they are today.
   ”Do not resist change, embrace it,” she said. “World, we’ll be there, it won’t be long. For years at Northern we have belonged but now it is time for another change, for us to move along.”
   Principal Craig Wigley asked those students joining in any type of military service to stand and be recognized.
   ”I want to acknowledge several students in the graduation class who have put service ahead,” he said. “We are a military community and our relationship with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is an integral part of who we are at the school.”
   Superintendent James Sarruda said his message for the graduates was simple, “don’t waste time, be deliberate with your thoughts and actions.”
   ”Each graduate here this evening has the ability to take control,” he said. “Take control of your lives. Make a difference, and I will be cheering your success.”