SBHS bids farewell to the halls they called home for four years
By: Nick D’Amore
Gathering in the school gym for one last time as a class, the 2002 graduating class of South Brunswick High School bid farewell Wednesday to the halls that had become so familiar to them.
With parents, friends and family cheering and waving wildly, the 426 graduates filed into the SBHS gymnasium in alternate rows of boys and girls, black and gold, while the SBHS band played a reflective "Pomp and Circumstance."
With the last senior in place, the band began playing the national anthem, followed by the school’s alma mater.
School Principal Frank Ingargiola, at his first SBHS graduation as principal, opened the ceremony with some light-hearted, yet important advice.
"First, enjoy the summer because the hard work you think you’ve been through hasn’t even begun yet," he said.
Mr. Ingargiola also advised the class to study hard in college and to remember to thank their parents and teachers.
Student Council President Tess Barton welcomed the honored guests the retiring SBHS teachers to the graduation ceremony. She thanked the seven teachers for their "dedication and diligence."
She, too, offered her fellow graduates some parting words of wisdom.
"When you take, take from the center. When you give, give from the heart. Know your limits and test your limits. But, know your limits," she said.
Next to speak were co-salutatorians Chris Danis and Becca Stoloff.
Chris looked back on the knowledge he had gained as a student of SBHS.
"I think we all learned a lot, not just academics, but life lessons," he said.
He also addressed his parents for their role is his success.
"I can never thank them enough for being so loving and supportive," he said.
Becca commended her fellow classmates for learning to put life in perspective.
"We have persevered and learned to face each day," she said.
She then read a short poem she had written, detailing her thoughts as an 18-year-old high school graduate, encapsulating both the sense of achievement and anxiety for what’s to come.
"I would like to say I know myself, but that’s nowhere near true," she said.
She, too, recognized her parents’ efforts to help get to this point.
"Dad, you’re always someone I can confide in. Mom, thanks for your understanding and support," she said.
Becca then spoke directly to her fellow graduates.
"This is our summer, let’s live it up."
The Class of 2002’s valedictorian, Samir Amrute, gave a bittersweet speech.
"There is nothing good about goodbyes and nothing fair about farewells," he said.
Samir reflected back to 1998, his freshman year.
"For the first time, I encountered real difficulty in my classes. I still wondered if any of the upperclassmen I encountered had much in the way of a soul," he said.
His "bleak and unforgiving" first days of high school became a high school career that "turned out to be extraordinary."
Samir humorously thanked his parents for their part in his achievement.
"I want to thank my parents who insisted there wasn’t much future if I left school at age 10," he said.
The senior class president, Tim Mendenko, introduced the senior class advisors, teachers Marisol Ciccone and Lisa Muscolino.
But, first, Tim offered his own recollections of the past four years.
"When I was a freshman, my goal was to be the captain of the varsity soccer team," he said, patting his stomach. "Judging by who you see up here, those goals have changed."
Then, looking out to his classmates, he said, "I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world."
Superintendent Sam Stewart then accepted the Class of 2002, giving a lengthy list of their achievements in all aspects of school life.
"The Class of 2002 has created new standards of excellence," he said.
Dr. Stewart said 25 percent of the graduating seniors were involved in the school’s music program. Then, holding up the yearbook, commended those who had helped put it together.
"This yearbook, folks, is simply outstanding."
Dr. Stewart said 122 seniors had received senior awards, 100 of them had grade point averages 3.5 or higher, 27 were distinguished scholars of New Jersey and 70 percent had been accepted to four-year colleges.
"This class has received $70,000 in local scholarships and $1 million from state colleges," he said.
The class also set new records in sports, with an overall record of 250 wins and 148 losses. This is the first time, he said, the school had achieved more than 200 wins in one year.
Finally, the graduates, one by one, approached the stage and received their diplomas.
"I’m very proud and very happy," said Mike Rocco, watching his son Nicholas graduate. "A lot of the things that were said about these students is right on target. They are an excellent class and an excellent group of kids. I’m proud I’m here to see it," he said.
Emily Peterson, watching as her nephew Adam Porrovecchio went up to get his diploma, remembered holding Adam at her wedding when he was 6 months old.
"I have a picture from my wedding that I’m going to give him, with him when he was 6 months. And now I’m watching him graduate. I’m so proud to know he’s done a great job," she said.