The North Bergen High School Class of 2002, which enjoyed its commencement exercises in Bruins Stadium in North Hudson Braddock Park last Friday, represented one of the biggest graduating classes in the school’s history.
With 453 members, the Class of 2002 definitely had its size, but according to long-time Principal Paschal “Pat” Tennaro, the class also had its quality as well.
“It was a great graduating class,” Tennaro said. “It was one of our biggest, but it was also one of our best as well. And it was indicated by a beautiful graduation, which is a credit to the students’ parents. This class had many, many successes. They’ve been a credit to the community.”
Superintendent of Schools Peter Fischbach agreed that the Class of 2002, which will send 70 percent of its members to some sort of post-secondary education, achieved a lot in the face of adversity.
“I think this class in itself was extremely exceptional, being able to adjust through all the hardships they had to endure, like Sept. 11,” Fischbach said. “These students went through the year and did whatever they could to assist the community in its time of need. In terms of fundraising, in terms of involvement, they were very active. They achieved academically and socially, becoming more mature, much quicker than a lot of classes.”
Because of what they endured during the course of the school year, Fischbach said that the graduation was “a prime example of true American spirit.”
“It was a joyous celebration,” Fischbach said.
Jean Karl Martin, who will head to Princeton in the fall, was the Class of 2002’s valedictorian. Margaret Tarabokija, who will go to Montclair State, delivered the salutatory address.
“We had students who were accepted to Princeton, Columbia and Harvard,” Fischbach said. “We had others who were accepted into engineering universities. But we’ve also had those who have decided to attend community schools as well.”
Added Fischbach, “During the year, this class helped so many people and helped each other out. They had a diligence to excel. They are a group of students that their parents, their families and the entire community should be proud of.”
Tennaro echoed those sentiments.
“Without question, it’s a huge ego boost to see the students do so well,” Tennaro said. “We get a lot of satisfaction out of the students’ performance.”
After enduring the commencement exercises in the stifling heat outside (the first time the school had outdoor ceremonies in four years), a good portion of the graduates went back to the school, loaded up 12 buses and went on a Project Graduation tour together, one that made Tennaro especially happy and proud.
“We first took them to Chelsea Piers for sports and recreation activities, then we went to Fun Time America in Sayreville, which had games and amusements,” Tennaro said. “From there, we took them to a special comedy club show in Saddle Brook, which they enjoyed. And then, we came back to the school and gave them breakfast.”
Tennaro said that each of the students also received a video yearbook as part of the Project Graduation festivities.
“It let them see their four years of hard work,” said Tennaro, who credited the North Bergen and Port Authority police for providing police escorts to accompany the safe journey throughout the state.
“Everyone had a great time,” Tennaro said. “It was a safe environment and they were all together. They had to learn to celebrate together safely. It turned out wonderful.”
Tennaro wanted to point out that not only the Class of 2002 is leaving North Bergen High School. The school is losing two retiring teachers in Roger Swett and Mary Seyler.
“Combined, they have 80 years of service to North Bergen,” Tennaro said. “They’re going to be difficult to replace.”