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SOUTH BRUNSWICK: SBHS Class of 2012 moves on

By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
   South Brunswick High School’s 740-member graduating class held its commencement ceremony at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton June 21.
   ”It’s the largest senior class in school history and they are likely to retain that history for many years to come,” Principal Timothy Matheney said.
   Mr. Matheney said that the class of 2012 has definitely shown that they like to have fun, set goals and achieve them and that setting a Guinness world record for the “most high fives” is an example of a major milestone the class achieved.
   He said these qualities allow them to stand out from previous graduating classes.
   ”I think what stands out about this class is that they have a very ‘carpe diem’ (seize the day) philosophy,” Mr. Matheney said.
   Mr. Matheney said that this year’s graduating class is one of the first classes to embrace SBHS’ five core values within their education.
   He said the students demonstrated the core value of service prominently through being the number one organization in Middlesex County for a food drive, as well as, serving more than 650 community service hours to the Homework Help Center through National Honor Society.
   Mr. Matheney will take a new position as the Director of Evaluation for the New Jersey Department of Education July 1, so this year’s graduation was his last commencement ceremony. He said that he could not have chosen a better senior class to graduate in his final commencement.
   ”There is no doubt that this commencement will be very special to me,” Mr. Matheney said. “Presiding over graduation is one of my favorite responsibilities as principal.”
   During the ceremony Senior Class President Holly Korzeniowski, Student Council President Ian Moritz, class valedictorian Joshua Bansal, and salutatorian Conan Chen presented speeches during the ceremony.
   ”As long as you are willing to step out of our comfort zone everything will be easier,” Conan said in his speech.
   He said he wanted the graduating class to know that it is okay for them to challenge their abilities.
   Conan will be attending John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and will be majoring in chemical engineering in the fall.
   Joshua, who will be attending Yale University in New Haven Connecticut, where he will major in molecular and cellular development, said “it’s important to recognize those that have helped us get to this point.”
   Holly will be attending Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, for her degree in acting and said that she wanted the class of 2012 to continue to strive at toward their goals.
   ”The best I yet to come,” Holly said. “Even if these past four years weren’t the best years of your life, that’s alright, they shouldn’t be. It gets better.”
   Ian said that the class will always be united and that he has enjoyed his time at SBHS.
   Ian will be attending the University of Maryland.
   ”No matter how far apart we go or the colors we wear we’ll always have our Viking spirit,” Ian said.
   Mr. Matheney and Superintendent Dr. Gary McCartney both presented speeches to the class during commencement.
   Dr. McCartney pivoted his speech around the concept of the rapid changes occurring in society.
   He delivered two messages; one to the parents and one to the graduates.
   He spoke to the graduates’ parents about memories created with their children and he commended them for the way they prepared their children for the next stage of their lives.
   Dr. McCartney then emphasized three phrases to the graduates; “I’ll be there,” “Maybe your right,” and “Thanks very much.”
   ”They (the phrases) will also provide you with the reassurance that some things may never change,” Dr. McCartney said.
   The graduates displayed their excitement throughout the ceremony.
   ”I feel like I’m prepared to leave high school, but I don’t know what to expect in college,” graduate Corey Koppel said.
   Corey said that he enjoyed high school and will miss the relationships he has made, but hopes to make new ones in college. He will be attending American University in Washington, D.C., where he will major in international relations.
   Holly said although she is nervous about going to college, she wants to embrace the new experience. She said she would always remember the lessons she has learned at SBHS.
   ”It’s exciting and definitely marks the start of a new chapter,” graduate Brian Tesser said. “I’m excited to see what’s next.”
   Brain will be attending Tufts University in Massachusettes.
   Graduate Dan Gorzynski said that he is excited to discover what the rest of his life has in store for him, and said he will be attending Wooster University in Ohio.
   ”I’m proud of all that we did this year and did the last four years,” Ian said. “The class of 2012 has left a great legacy that we should all be proud of.”