Faculty, staff, families welcome 2013 graduates
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
TRENTON – Over 300 seniors from Nottingham High School took a step into a larger world during the 2013 commencement ceremony at Sun National Bank Center June 20.
Senior Class President Kellie Jean Hoagland welcomed her fellow students and invited them to reflect on their past and all that had occurred during their journey to graduation.
”You have survived the past four years, plus the other nine before,” Ms. Hoagland said. “Looking back the years have been filled with laughter, tears and memories that will last a lifetime.
”Ever since freshman year we have dreamed of this very moment and in just a few hours it will become one of our most precious high school memories,” she added. “With this being said, my advice to all of us is to live each moment to its fullest potential. Let’s grab a hold of all the opportunities before us and follow our dreams and make each one come to life because we never know when someone or something will become just a memory.”
Like many other speakers during the ceremony, she celebrated the academic, extracurricular and athletic achievements of their senior class, noting that 13 is typically an unlucky number.
”But in our case we have made 13 a lucky, unforgettable number,” she said.
Bridget Katherine Doolittle, valedictorian of the graduating class, told her classmates that as tough as high school may have seemed, more hurdles lay ahead.
”Out there society’s expectations present even greater challenges,” Ms. Doolittle said. “We are expected to make a name for ourselves, to be successful and self-reliant.”
She thanked Nottingham teachers for helping them prepare for those very challenges.
”To many of us high school was a huge wake up call. The teachers at Nottingham High School, who many of us grew to love, expected the most from us, more than we ever thought we were capable of accomplishing,” she said, adding how well her and her classmates succeed in life is entirely up to them.
”Let’s be ourselves, live up to our own expectations and shoot for the moon, because even if we miss we’ll land among the stars,” she said.
In her address, Salutatorian Lisa S. Mazukewicz reflected back on her childhood when she and many of her classmates would combine chalk and youthful wonderment on neighborhood sidewalks.
”These childhood chalk drawings were a vivid manifestation of our hopes and ambition, of the things that make us truly happy,” Ms. Mazukewicz said. “We must remember this: the most important thing for us to pursue is that which makes us truly happy.”
Though she acknowledged life outside the halls of Nottingham will undoubtedly present challenges; she encouraged her classmates to recall the drawings and their youthful spirit.
”Let’s embrace our dreams as confidently now as we did back then,” she told her fellow graduates.
Principal Michael Giambelluca, an alum of Nottingham, lauded the students for their various accomplishments that he believes will become treasured memories.
”I hope you will remember your high school years in a positive way,” Mr. Giambelluca said. “For me it will be hard to forget the great moments of the past four years. This year alone has provided enough memories to last a lifetime.”
Speaking from experience, he told them their education at Nottingham provided them will the tools necessary to take the next step in their lives.
”You hold the power to shape our country for many years to come,” he told them.
Superintendent James Parla and Hamilton Township Board of Education President Jeff Hewitson also offered words of wisdom and congratulations to the Class of 2013.
Dr. Parla, noting graduates past and present had mocked his ceremonial commencement headgear, proudly switched to a Nottingham baseball cap.
”I have had the opportunity to attend many functions, programs and sporting events and I must say I really enjoyed every minute. The senior class has made me very proud to be your superintendent.
”This is a very special group of students,” he added. “They have achieved so much.”
Mr. Hewitson, like Dr. Parla, said he considered himself a Northstar.
”Let this accomplishment help you become an intrepid member of society no matter what field you pursue,” he said.
Of the graduates, 80 percent will attend either a four-year college or university or a two-year college program. Six percent of graduates will enter the work force, 10 percent will attend technical schools and the final four percent will serve in the U.S. military, according to school officials.
Students pursuing higher education have received approximately $2 million in combined scholarships and awards.

