The students of Montgomery High School filled the football field on Friday for one last time. It was their time to shine under the field’s lights, as they became the township’s 43rd graduating class
By Kelly Velocci, Special to the Packet
The students of Montgomery High School filled the football field on Friday for one last time. It was their time to shine under the field’s lights, as they became the township’s 43rd graduating class.
Class President Logan Davis was the first speaker of the evening. He reminisced about memories from freshman orientation and senior year.
”I wish we could have lived the first three years of high school like we did senior year,” he said.
Salutatorian Johan Zhang urged his fellow classmates to enjoy life’s journey.
He said this recently resonated with him during the senior trip to Disney World. He recalled his classmates briskly shuffling back onto the bus, their next destination awaiting them, but moving too quickly to enjoy the journey.
”Take a break and enjoy every step of the way. If you don’t learn how to chill out you’ll burn out,” said Mr. Zhang.
Valedictorian Jonathan Wu told the class his speech was like his final yearbook message to all of them.
”Appreciate what we all have right now,” he said.
Principal Paul Popadiuk said the Class of 2013 “brought spirit I haven’t seen in years.”
He offered the students one last token of advice before they graduate, three rules he said he wished he had learned earlier. Don’t dwell on your future. If you’re going to fail, fail big. And don’t overuse the word love, he said.
”If you work at it and get it right, the last rule will make you happier than anything else you do in your life,” Mr. Popadiuk said.
Superintendent Nancy Gartenberg said her message was directed to the “80 percenters.”
Ms. Gartenberg defined this group as the students whose graduation gowns may not be adorned with medals, tassels or sashes. She said she was part of that group in high school as well. Those adornments, she said, do not dictate your success in life.
Board of Education President Arun Rimal spoke about the importance of helping less fortunate people in the international community.
”In order to have a rich and fulfilling life, we need more than professional and financial success. We need to also take the time to take care of our greater human family,” he said.