A line quickly stretched out the gates of Miller Stadium and around the corner at Monday evening’s Memorial High School graduation ceremony. Despite the heat, hundreds of proud parents, family and friends excitedly waited to enter the stadium to watch the soon-to-be graduates of 2002 march across the field. The seniors would end their time at Memorial and say goodbye to the colors of black and orange that followed them throughout their four years.
Principal Matthew Sinisi said he would miss the graduates. “They were a very positive class, involved in many activities. This class took the true spirit of Memorial and brought it to light. I don’t know how I’m going to replace them,” he said.
Sinisi described the class as a “very friendly group. They were all supportive of each other.” This idea resonated in each comment given by the students themselves. They seemed very close-knit, as if friendship was what made their high school experience memorable.
“I’m gonna miss my friends and teachers,” said class of 2002 member Michael Becerra.
Classmates Marcos Morales, Danny Roman, and Newberry Rosario all said that when they look back on high school they’d remember their friends, and high school football.
“I’ll miss seeing my friends everyday,” said Katiria German. Many of her peers agreed.
Ariel Acosta reminisced on his four years and concluded that thing he’d miss the most was hanging out in the hallways of Memorial.
Berenice Mordan admitted that she was sad about leaving, “but happy in another way – moving on to bigger and better things.”
Fatima Palomo agreed, stating how exciting it was to finally be graduating, with students moving on to college or employment. Adrian Garcia was anxious about attending Berkley College in a few months. Charlie Rodriguez said after the summer he’s going off to a business college to study computer networking.
The family of graduate Jalkamal Doshi sat in the bleachers with big smiles. “We’re really proud of him. He’s graduating with honors,” said his cousin Vishal Doshi. He said that after graduation, Jalkamal Doshi will be going to NJIT to major in engineering.
Although she was also looking towards the future, graduate Maria Erazo said that she’d definitely miss her school. “Memorial made studying fun,” she said.
During the ceremony, the school’s color guard presented the colors, and the band welcomed the graduates onto the field. Among the speakers at the ceremony were Mayor Albio Sires, Superintendent Anthony Yankovich, and Principal Matthew Sinisi. Board of Education President Mario A. Capozzi, and Vice President Fermin Garcia assisted in presenting awards to achieved graduates.
The Memorial High School Band served as the entertainment by playing a few selections throughout the ceremony including “Star Spangled Banner,” “Colonel Bogey,” and “On Memorial.” Choraliers Mitch Leigh and Peter C. Lutkin performed “The Impossible Dream,” and “The Lord Bless and Keep You,” filling the stadium with their strong, melodic voices.
After the ceremony, the graduates would be taken on an overnight trip called Project Graduation where the students could spend a few more hours together before going their separate ways.
“I can’t wait for Project Graduation,” said graduate Crismely Mordan a few hours before the event. “We don’t know where it’s going to be. It’s a surprise. All we know is that there’s going to be a pool and a buffet.”
As the graduates anxiously made their way through the ceremony, faculty members realized that they would miss this class.
Jeff Tarallo, who taught the seniors, said that he’d miss their caring and compassionate nature.
Willa White, another teacher at Memorial agreed with Tarallo and gave an example of the way in which the class showed how special they really were. “After September 11, this caring group of students sponsored a fundraiser drive for the American Red Cross to help the victims and families,” said White. They’ve always been willing to give to others.”
“They have love inside them and an incredible sense of consciousness,” said Tarallo.