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MANVILLE: 8th-graders given their wings

Alexander Batcho Intermediate School graduates Class of 2012

By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
   Family, friends and staff gathered to help Alexander Batcho Intermediate School send 92 pupils to their high school careers Tuesday night in the middle school auditorium.
   Chessie Tomari led her classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance and presented a flag from her cousin, Cpl. Adam Masters.
   In his letter, Cpl. Masters said, “This flag meant a lot to the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Lima Company. This was hung next to the door at outpost Shark’s Tooth, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from May 1 to Oct. 15, 2011.”
   ”Each day, before exiting our compound, we would walk by this flag and say a few words for our brothers who made the selfless act of laying down their lives in defense of freedom and this country,” the corporal wrote. “With each passing day, it became a reminder to each of us as to why we chose to defend our country. I only hope that this flag will be a symbol of hope and courage to each of you as it was for us.”
   Chessie gave the flag to Principal Michael Magliacano, saying, “I am proud to present this flag. It will now become part of ABIS history.”
   Student Crystal Welch welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
   ”Our time here at ABIS has been unforgettable, and the friendships we have made will last a lifetime,” she said. “A last thank you to everyone at ABIS for helping us feel safe, expanding our knowledge of the world around us and, more importantly, for believing in us,”
   Student Council President Denise Perez gave the farewell address.
   ”We have matured, and we are ready for the challenges of high school that are not so far away anymore,” she said. “It felt like it was yesterday when we were all little sixth-graders. We avoided eye contact with the eighth-graders . . . well, at least, I did. They seemed so big, and who knew that, in a blink of an eye, we were going to be those top-gun seniors of ABIS.”
   ABIS Principal Michael Magliacano gave the commencement speech.
   ”I have got to tell you that it has not been a not-so-smooth road all the time,” he said.
   He reminded them how they thought it was so much fun to run around and play kickball while with him at Roosevelt School, and now they were sitting up on the stage graduating.
   Mr. Magliacano left the graduates with a challenge.
   ”As one door closes at ABIS, you have another door opening full of opportunity at Manville High School,” he said. “You possess the key, a blank key to open any door you wish to enter.”
   Awards were announced by Mr. Magliacano.
   Outstanding academic excellence awards went to students who attained the highest average in subject areas. Those included Ola Kaczor and Victoria Wanjohi for language arts, Ola Kaczor for mathematics, Nataly Brito for science and Ola Kaczor for social studies.
   Jimmy Clancy received the award in physical education, Amalia Morera in art, Connor Falieski in music, and Ola Kaczor in Spanish language.
   Students who showed the most improvement over the academic year were Rebecca Blanco, Megan Jenkins, Jada Walker and Stephen Nash, for language arts; Dayana Sanchez and Diana Mendoza for mathematics; Danny Santana and Sierra Jacobs for science; and Roy Jimenez and Dominique Bell for social studies.
   Peer mediators were recognized for their character and citizenship. These were Nicolle Dzuba, Haylee Furka, Stephen Nash, Jarred Saultz, Jason Guevara, Jake Tokarzewski, Victoria Wanjohi, Michelle Toth, Jenna Molesko, Kristina Rogalski, Edison Mendez, Raquel Ramos, Sierra Jacobs, Ola Kaczor, Troy Armstrong and Chessie Tomari.
   Students who were a part of the Circle of Friends also were recognized. They are Nick Loften, Joey Mascola, Billy Caswell, Emily Caswell, Rebecca Blanco, Courtney Smigelski, Joselyn Velasquez, Mariana Munoz, Jill Plocic, Kieran Green, Jason Guevara, Dayana Sanchez and Dominic Bell.
   The graduates sang their song, “World’s Greatest,” by R. Kelly. The presentation of diplomas by Mr. Magliacano, Superintendent Johanna Ruberto and Board of Education President Heidi Alles followed as Cheyanne Bylina announced her classmates’ names.
   After the graduates received their diplomas, they proudly stood up and turned their tassels. The graduates left the auditorium with all smiles and now look forward to becoming the Class of 2016 at Manville High School.