The Secaucus Middle School class of 2001 graduated Thursday, June 21. The commencement exercises were held in the school gymnasium under the direction of the school principal Fred J. Ponti.
Valentina Giambona presented the address to parents. In her speech, she reviewed the work and activities of the previous school years and acknowledged the support and help of the students’ parents. Vito Petruzzelli presented the address to the graduates. He reviewed the class’s activities and encouraged his classmates to get involved in their high school.
Constantino Scerbo, superintendent of schools, presented the keynote address. He discussed the elementary/middle school years as the “foundation years.”
National Honor Society members were awarded their academic gold cords: Dale Addeo, Zachary Amico, Tyler Andreula, Alexandra Archetti, Jessica Corcoran, Lauren Costello, Tina Critelli, Tiana Douge, Brian Innis, Ali Kalu, Ellen Kennedy, Chasun Lee, Gina Miele, Michelle Mirza, Erica Mondadori, Nicole Muzones, Koha Ngo, Daniela O’Brien, Hetal Patel, Vito Petruzelli, Natalee Phemsint, Amanda Santaniello, Mary Schultz, Annette Slanina, Sylvia Sobczyk, Suzanne Spiekermann, and Nina Todorovska.
Recipients of the Presidential Academic Excellence Awards were: Dale Addeo, Zachary Amico, Alexandra Archetti, Jessica Corcoran, Tina Critelli, Taina B. Douge, Thomas Gentile, Brian Innis, Jessica Just, Ali Kalu, Gina Miele, Michelle Mirza, Erica Mondadori, Nicole Muzones, Hetal Patel, Vito Petruzzelli, Amanda Santaniello, Mary Schultz, Annette Slanina, Sylvia Sobczyk, Suzanne Spiekermann, and Nina Todorovska.
The certificates and pins were presented by Paul Amico, president of the Board of Education, assisted by Joan Cali, school guidance counselor.
Musical interlude was provided by the middle school chorus singing “Graduation Song” under the direction of Lyle Leeson. The middle school band performed the “Majestia” under the direction of Robert Fournier.
Graduates were recipients of school awards for:
SCHOLARSHIP – Annette Slanina for maintaining the highest academic average in her two middle school years and being enrolled in Secaucus High School in the fall. Paul Amico presented Annette with a plaque and a $500 Savings Bond from the Anne & Rocco Impreveduto Memorial The scholarship was sponsored by Police Chief Dennis Corcoran.
CITIZENSHIP – Dale Addeo for contributing the most among his classmates in assisting the school, the teachers and the members of his class. Carl Mucciolo, President of the Kiwanis Club, and Dawn Pelletier, Vice President of the Kiwanis Club, presented him with a plaque and a $500 savings bond.
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD – Four members of the graduating class, two male and two female, were selected by the principal and guidance counselor to receive this award. These students represent individuals who exhibit qualities of patience, determination and who work to achieve their goals. Catherine Ferguson, science instructor, announced the recipients of the 2001 Principal’s Award. They are Michelle Mirza, Erica Mondadori, Jawad Ahmed and Thomas Gentile.
Graduates received their diplomas from Board of Education President Paul Amico and Michael Schlemm, Trustee of the Board of Education.