Despite the threat of rain in the air, parents and friends crowded the Bayonne high school ice rink to witness the graduating ceremonies of the Class of 2006.
With the high school orchestrate conducted by Music Director Serge Puchinsky, graduates in maroon gowns paraded into the area as crowds on three sides of the space used normally for hockey cheered – the echoes reverberating as if the home team had just scored.
For Schools Superintendent Dr. Patricia McGeehan, this was “an illustrious class,” one seeped in school pride and tradition, emphasizing the concepts of respect and loyalty, while leaving its mark in state level championship sports, county sports tiles, arts and music accomplishments and academic achievements.
“This is a class that earned $9.6 million in scholarships,” McGeehan said. “This class leaves behind a legacy of success.”
In her speech to the assembly, she told the gathering of about 620 graduates that what they learned in high school will give them strength to become citizens of the world, and that one of the great lessons was one about understanding themselves and who they are.
“You must embrace diversity,” she said. “You hold great promise for the future of America. And as you look ahead, you have much to be optimistic about. The work is ripe with opportunities.”
She encouraged the graduates to play by the rules, but also seek happiness, and to find a career that they enjoy.
“If you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life,” she said, quoting an old maxim.
McGeehan pointed out that the graduation was a team effort, of students, patents, teachers, administrators and school staff, working towards the common goal of preparing the graduates to face the world.
“This diploma opens the door to the future,” she said, yet encouraged them not to forget Bayonne. Amanda Khattab, valedictorian for the Class of 2006, echoed McGeehan’s statements, by telling fellow graduates that they were entering American society to make changes.
“Use what you have learned,” she said. “Let the torch burn to its fullest potential.”
Mayor Joseph Doria issued a proclamation naming June 23 Amanda Khattab Day in honor of her graduating as the class’ top academic student. In his remarks, Doria told graduates that each had come to Bayonne High School four years ago not knowing what to expect, had faced challenges in leading to their graduation.
“This (graduation) did not occur just because of your teachers, but with the help of your parents and family,” Doria said, noting that education did not stop. “You need to learn every day. And every day you will learn something new to deal with the new reality.”
Doria said the students learned how to learn in Bayonne High School, how to meet the next challenge in their lives. Like McGeehan, Doria encouraged students to remember Bayonne, to give something back to Bayonne and if possible to remain residents of Bayonne.
“You will always be a part of this city and you will always have a piece of this city inside of you,” he said.
For Councilman Anthony Chiappone, who shared the stage with Mayor Doria, Council President Vincent Lo Re, Councilman John Halecky, and the numerous school officials, this graduation provided him with a rare privilege since his youngest son, Keith is graduating this year.
“As a councilman I have the privilege to hand my son his diploma,” he said.
In fact, over his previous eight years, Chiappone has managed to be on stage for all three of his children’s graduations, and each time, it brings back memories of when he graduated Bayonne High School in 1975.
“Keith even had the same home room teacher as I did,” Chiappone said.