3a76dc35dccd45fa0b6bed4b97e65912.jpg

WEST AMWELL: ‘Old-school kids’ say farewell to South

‘Work hard and be kind’ is the motto of South Hunterdon Regional High School

By Kelly Velocci, Packet Media Group
   WEST AMWELL — “Work hard and be kind,” the motto of South Hunterdon Regional High School, was echoed throughout many of the speeches made at graduation on June 20.
   Principal Mark Collins said the Class of 2013 embraced the school’s motto to the fullest.
   Class Vice President Alexander Singleton described the motto as simple and direct. Unlike that of his former school, the motto could not be misinterpreted, he said.
   The Class of 2013 had the motto engraved on the glass of the school’s front doors as their senior gift.
   During his leave of absence, Mr. Collins said he drew strength from a message the class sent him. We started these four years with you and “we expect you back to finish what we started,” the message said.
   Acting Principal Mary Cohen described the students as “old-school kids.” She recalled the travel agent on the class trip to Walt Disney World was impressed that each student said “thank you” to him.
   Ms. Cohen told the students what a unique experience it is to go to school in South Hunterdon. She said when you meet people, who have never heard of Stockton or West Amwell, answer them with “pride and a little bit of attitude.” Be proud of where you’re from she told the graduates.
   Class President Kyle Bogdan mentioned each student by name in her speech. Kyle described the “kind actions” and memories of all 47 students.
   Salutatorian Julianne Riggs asked her fellow classmates if they are going to be lions or gazelles as they face the world. “We must face them as lions,” she said.
   ”It’s time to let your ambitions run wild,” Julianne said.
   Valedictorian Emma Carpenter told her classmates instead of advice she wanted to offer them encouragement.
   Emma urged her fellow classmates to make endless amounts of plans
   .”Get lost in your plans,” she said. “Your hill of plans will become a mountain you can stand on.”
   It’s OK if you fail, she said, but “don’t give up.”