By: Emily Holody
MONROE After four years of high school, Monroe Township High School seniors are looking forward to graduating and moving on with their lives.
Graduation is set for 6 p.m. June 21 at the Monroe Township High School on Perrineville Road. Many who leave that night will be getting ready to attend two- or four-year colleges.
Andrew Cocuzza, who will be attending the University of Delaware to study hotel restaurant institutional management, said he’s ready.
"I’m very excited, but it’s kind of depressing because it came really fast. I don’t want to leave," said Andrew. "Now I have to go make new friends."
Even though Andrew will not be far from New Jersey, he knows he won’t be able to come back every weekend and will miss seeing his friends every day.
"They’re a big part of my life," said Andrew.
Still, he has many good memories to take with him to college. His football team ended the season by losing in the first round of the state sectional playoffs. However, it won a school-record eight games and claimed a share of its first title, the Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division, for the first time.
He said he will miss the "300" workout, which was based on the training stars of that movie had to go through during its filming.
"It’s the workout they did to look like that," said Andrew.
He said Monroe High School also has instilled in him a strong character, and has taught him how to deal with day-to-day problems. He said he’s ready for college and is excited about the study abroad program available at the University of Delaware.
Jasmin Laferriere said he will also miss his friends, but feels safe knowing the college he will attend in the fall is in a region where most of his family lives.
"I’m going to McGill University in Montreal," said Jasmin, who was born in Canada.
"It’s a great school and I’m really looking forward to going back there."
Jasmin plans on studying computer engineering and said he is happy the school year is ending. He is excited to attend college in the fall and said he knows all the basics he’ll need to begin his major.
"I think it’s gonna be a lot of change, but I don’t know if I’ll miss (high school). I’ve had fun, and it’s been nice," he said.
Although Jasmin will miss his friends and said some of the best times he had in high school were with the tennis team, the computer club, and just being with his friends, "it’s kind of nice getting a fresh start," said Jasmin.
Matt Barrow does not plan on going to a university straight out of high school. Rather, he plans on attending Middlesex County College for two years then transferring to a four-year school.
He plans on studying civil engineering and said he chose to go to a community college first because it’s more convenient and a little cheaper.
Most of Matt’s friends are going out of state, but he isn’t anxious and doesn’t believe it will be difficult to make friends.
"I’ll be all right," he said.
After a high school experience filled with activity, Gina Antoniello can’t wait to graduate.
"I’m ready for the next chapter of my life," said Gina.
Gina will attend the University of Miami to double major in business administration and sports management. She also plans on joining the university’s dance team, "Sunsation."
"It’s great. They cheer for basketball and football," said Gina.
She did competitive cheerleading and dance throughout high school. She was also involved in DECA, the international association of marketing students. She said these activities have helped prepare her for college.
"I’ve done community service, academics, and balanced a lot of things, so I have time management. I feel like, in college, that’s key," said Gina.
Like her peers, Gina will miss the friends she’s grown up with.
"It’s a different atmosphere, being away from home," Gina said.
And she should know. Last summer she studied at Duke University for six weeks, giving her a taste of what college is like.
"I’ll miss my friends, but I know my friends will always be a part of my past and, hopefully, my future," said Gina.
