By Jennifer Bradley, Packet Media Group
FLORENCE — Graduates of the Class of 2012 shined on Monday.
With a sense of happiness and pride for all to see, 109 seniors celebrated the occasion surrounded by friends and family as Florence Township Memorial High School educators looked on.
Of the 109 seniors, the young women dressed in white gowns and held flowers, while the young men dressed in blue.
”Our attendance at Florence Township Memorial High School has brought wisdom, tears, experience, stress and many laughs and smiles,” said Jennifer Allen, the salutatorian and senior class president.
There was certainly a mix of tears, laughter and smiles at the graduation, which took place outdoors at Florence High.
The audience also disobeyed the school’s request to hold applause until all graduates received their diplomas.
Folks could be heard shouting phrases such as, “That’s my son,” “You’re so pretty,” “What’s good nephew?” “We love you” and “You go bro” to loved ones on stage.
Valedictorian Richard Craig offered his words of encouragement to the Class of 2012 in a more formal manner.
”It is our collective responsibility to push and stretch — going beyond our comfort zone — to bring about a future that holds promise and possibility for everyone,” he said. “As much as we have learned, I hope we have also taught.”
John Cogan, high school principal, encouraged graduates to take action and leave their mark.
”We live in the greatest country in the world and opportunity abounds,” he said. “Take hold of it with both hands and give it everything you’ve got. You can accomplish your dreams, and achieve your goals in life, if you are willing to work hard and always give your best effort.”
Superintendent Donna Ambrosius said she believed the Class of 2012 was capable of great success.
According to Ms. Ambrosius, one of the keys to success is remembering one’s roots, she explained in her speech to the Florence seniors.
Ms. Ambrosius looked far back into the students’ roots and quoted from the book, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” which advised readers to share everything, to play fair and to say sorry to repair the hurt feeling’s of someone else.
Ms. Ambrosius said tradition is a very important aspect of a fulfilling life.
”Buildings and people will change, but the (Florence) tradition of excellence will remain the same,” she said. “Remember your roots, and most importantly remember you have the power to do great things.”
After the speeches and before the diplomas were handed out, the president of the Board of Education, Emma Cartier, broke down the future plans of the 109 Florence Memorial High School graduates.
She said that 48 of the graduates are going on to a four year college or university; and 52 are attending a two year college or technical school.
Four students are joining the military; two graduates are going straight into the work force; and three of the graduates are undecided, she said.
Also during the ceremony, senior choir members sang “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Steve Perry, Neal Schoen and Jonathan Cain, of Journey, under the direction of music director Christian Reynolds. The singers were Kayla Brown, Ashley Cesaretti, Joseph Chianese, Grace Eriston, Angela DeStasio, Brittany Gates, Anastasia Graf, Liana Hollendonner, Anthony Panaro, Kristie Smith, Kayla Starkey, Mike Therrell and Devon, Worrell.
Jennifer Allen graduated salutatorian.

