OLD BRIDGE — Olympic gold medal winner Laurie Hernandez took center stage as an honorary Knight at the Old Bridge High School Class of 2018 commencement.
Hernandez, who grew up in Old Bridge, donned Knight colors — black, white and purple — and a graduation cap with the words “She doesn’t even go here” during the ceremony held at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, on June 25.
Hernandez shared her Olympic journey, which she said was nothing short of smooth.
“My story begins at [Raymond E.] Voorhees Elementary School,” she said. “I started gymnastics when I was 5. Someone reminded me I wore my leotard to school picture days … that’s how passionate I was about gymnastics.”
Two weeks into the third grade, Hernandez switched to homeschooling in order to pursue her passion for gymnastics.
Hernandez, who would have graduated with the Class of 2018 if she stayed in the public school system, spoke about persevering through failed competitions, injuries and her mind.
In March 2016, Hernandez, who had her sights set on competing at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that year, suffered an injury.
“I couldn’t tumble … I almost quit,” she said. “It was five months [before the Olympics] and a rough time for me. I remember feeling that it was never going to work out.”
Hernandez said she remembers crying at a restaurant with her family.
“I had these mounds of tissues and I was so stressed,” she said. “My sister told my mom and dad she would give me the mounds of tissues back when I made it to the games.”
Hernandez said the thought sounded so trivial, however, it was the small gesture from her older sister that she will hold forever.
Five months later, Hernandez competed as a member of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team during the 2016 Olympics, where she won gold in the team event and silver on the balance beam.
“I wouldn’t be here if not for my parents and family,” she said. “Since competing in 2016, it has led me to so many different things, from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ to writing a book. Wherever my experiences lead me, it leads me back to my family and always leads me back to Old Bridge.”
Hernandez told the graduates that life may take them on back roads instead of a straight path.
“Remember to have your eyes open because you catch the most beautiful views on those back roads,” she said, adding it is OK to ask for help as the members of the Class of 2018 enter the next journey in their lives.
During the commencement, the Old Bridge High School Band played as the students made their way to their seats. The school’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps presented the colors. Student Senate President Randall Anderson, who attended this year’s prom with Hernandez, led the crowd in the salute to the flag and Kiri Skibniewski sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Ravi Mukul Gandhi delivered the valedictorian address and Aishwarya Subash delivered the salutatorian address.
When she was named salutatorian on June 21, Aishwarya, 17, said she was happy and excited to see that her hard work has paid off over the years.
“Old Bridge High School is an amazing place with so much diversity,” she said.
During her time at the school, Aishwarya was involved in a number of honor societies and clubs and she did research at Rutgers University. She said the faculty and staff were influential in her decisions of what she wanted to do as she moves on from high school.
In the fall, Aishwarya will attend the Rutgers University Honors College in New Brunswick and major in biomedical engineering.
“I will miss my friends and seeing them every day,” she said. “I will miss the teachers, who have made the most impact on me.”
Ravi, 17, said being named valedictorian is a nice culmination of a great four years at Old Bridge High School. He said he was involved in JSA where he attended overnight conferences and state conferences discussing policies and participating in debates and public speaking.
“It really opened my eyes,” he said.
Ravi said he would be remiss if he didn’t mention his twin sister Roshni, who has been a big factor in his success.
“We do everything together,” he said. “She is my biggest supporter.”
In the fall, Ravi will attend the University of Pittsburgh, and will major in engineering.
“I hope to run a start-up tech business,” he said.
Ravi said he will miss the relationships he has made with his fellow students and with faculty members.
“They are so supportive and almost like family,” he said.
Principal Vincent Sasso delivered a charge to the class. Board of Education members and administrators handed out diplomas to the 762 students, who then moved their tassels from right to left as family members and friends cheered.
Senior Class Vice Principal James Oliveri delivered a farewell to the class during the commencement.