By Marisa Iati
ALLENTOWN — Families and friends packed the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial on June 22 to watch Allentown High School graduate 287 members of its 86th class.
After the Pledge of Allegiance was said and the national anthem was sung, Dr. Christopher Nagy, principal, requested a moment of silence to remember Sarah Townsend, a senior student who died in May.
Dr. Nagy used the letters “A” through “H” to summarize the lessons he wanted graduates to take with them.
”At some point, the paths of perseverance and luck will cross,” he said. “Do not cheat yourselves or take short cuts at the expense of others. Remember that learning takes a lifetime and should be a lifetime commitment.”
Salutatorian Caroline Ticse, who will attend Johns Hopkins University, praised her classmates for their accomplishments in high school and their ability to tackle problems they would rather not face.
”Our teachers, administrators and staff have watched us grow from naive, middle-school children into mature, educated young adults, ready to tackle the world and perform the tasks we would rather not do,” she said. “The prestigious universities we will be attending, the championships we have earned, and the plays and concerts in which we have performed are all reflections of our ambitious dedication to excellence.”
The senior members of the choir sang “Here’s to the Night” by Eve 6 with the accompaniment of two student musicians on guitars. Dr. Nagy then introduced the valedictorian, Jorie Predmore.
Jorie, who will attend the University of Connecticut, challenged her classmates to improve the lives of those in need.
”I have confidence that we as social workers will reunite families, as ambassadors will communicate with other countries and as mechanics we will share insight of complex machines,” she said. “Imagine what we are capable of if we can work together constantly fighting for the same issues and advancements.”
Senior class secretary Josephine Geranio and treasurer Kristal Noyan announced that as the traditional senior gift, the class will provide the school with funds for appliances that will bring video, audio and data-streaming technologies to classrooms.
Upper Freehold Township Committeeman Lt. Col. Stephen Alexander recognized two graduates who will enter the military. Lt. Col. Alexander is also a member of the New Jersey Air National Guard and an Iraqi War veteran.
Jonathan Teuchtler will enter the Navy and Taylor Maul will join the Marines. Both received a standing ovation from the cheering crowd.
”The global War on Terrorism is no less important today than it was on Sept. 11, 2001,” Lt. Col. Alexander said. “This community’s support for you is no less meaningful today than it was for the men and women that came before you. You will soon walk the warrior’s path with duty, honor and service above yourself. You will not pursue happiness; you will pursue excellence.”
LoriSue Mount, mayor of Upper Freehold, also had a few words for Jonathan and Taylor.
”We will always be proud, we will always be prepared, and because of you, we will always be free,” Ms. Mount said.
Russell Sabine will also enter the military, but did not attend the commencement ceremony.
Before students crossed the stage to officially graduate and celebrated by tossing ping-pong balls and a balloon into the air, Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, superintendent, left the students with parting words.
He told the story of strangers gathering, without direction, to give 96 minutes of CPR to a Minnesota man having a heart attack on a public street. Dr. Fitzpatrick challenged the graduates to act with the same selflessness.
”The question is can you choose, are you capable of choosing, are any of us capable of choosing to do more for others than ourselves?” he asked. “Will you enable Americans to be known as a nation of givers and not a nation of takers?”

