Falcons graduate 444
By Ed Birch, Special Writer
It was certainly a day to remember for the 444 graduates of Monroe Township High School on June 25, at the Sun Bank Center in Trenton.
"You are all family. The Class of 2014 has presented tremendous character. Your talents are not limited to academics," said Principal Robert Goodall in his welcome speech. "As building principal, if I had to describe this year’s graduating class, it is one of tremendous character, compassion, and awareness of the diversity that makes our school very special."
Top students remembered their four years at the high school.
"During these past four years, we have created lifelong friendships and have learned lessons that we will all need in the coming years," said Stevens Tech bound bio-engineering Valedictorian Margaux Petersen. "We’ve all experienced the test failures and perfect 100’s, but let’s not forget that everything that has been given to us these past four years was self-made. We have all made our mark in life. If you want excellence, go out and achieve it."
"You’ll remember your friends and the fun you had together in these last few months before we move on to bigger and better things" said Salutatorian Hannah Knott.
She is moving on to Northwestern University to concentrate on Cognitive Science.
Besides her excellent academics, she has volunteered during the past two years at the Monroe Township Public Library."I would like to thank our parents and families. Without their support and guidance, we would not have become the amazing people that we are today," said Senior Class President Danielle Rutsky. "I’d also like to thank our teachers and administrators. They have taught us how to be better scholastically and have pushed us and our school to be better."
Schools Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton addressed the students.
"I want you to leave this school with a sense of confidence that makes you meet and defeat every challenge that life presents," he said. "Don’t confuse confidence with arrogance because arrogance will stifle humility. Humility will open your eyes to injustice."
Mr. Hamilton closed his remarks by saying, "truthfully, you have encouraged and inspired me. You have made me a better leader because you confirmed everything that I already know about a youthful spirit. He reminded the students that "if you do not stand for something, you’ll fall for anything."
School Board President Kathy Kolupanowich reminded the students to always to their best by quoting hockey great Wayne Gretsky, "you will always miss 100 percent of the shots in life that you do not take."
Students celebrated the end of the ceremony by throwing their caps in the air in front of the cheering crowd of family and friends attending the ceremony.