OLD BRIDGE – The theme of resurgence played a central part in the graduation ceremony for the Old Bridge High School Class of 2022.
Their high school career straddled the pre- and post-pandemic world.
They “brought the spirit of Old Bridge back to the high school,” Vice Principal Richard Masarik said.
Some 723 Old Bridge High School graduates walked down the amphitheater steps at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel on June 22. This was the school’s first time back at the venue since 2019.
Valedictorian Rishabh Jain focused his address to the class on their successful journey together and all they have achieved post-pandemic.
“We came out on top, we came together as one ‘Knight’ family,” Jain said. “We came out of that roller coaster, resolve intact as state champs, GMC (Greater Middlesex Conference) victors, silver medalists and academic superstars and dedicated leaders. We’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities small and big, donated thousands of pounds of food and collectively, we’ve volunteered tens of thousands of hours of our time to helping others. We’ve had an impact locally and even internationally.”
Schools Superintendent David Cittadino challenged the graduates to “make someone’s day today, every day.”
He told the class he was inspired by a ‘thank you’ note from Salutatorian Armaan S. Dullat. To encourage his challenge, Cittadino started off by giving a $30 gift card to several randomly selected graduates.
The ceremony included performances by the Old Bridge High School Choir and championship Old Bridge High School Band had the audience clapping and waving their cell phone lights in the air.
After diplomas were bestowed, Principal Vincent Sasso recognized 13 Eagle Scouts, two students serving in the U.S. military and in an emotional moment, an honorary high school diploma was presented to teacher Guy Lassen, whose service in the military prevented him from attending his own high school graduation.
Finally, Class President Anthony Taranto Jr. led the turning of the tassels, and the Class of 2022 threw their graduation caps into the air.