Cheers for the class of 2011

North Bergen High School’s seniors received their diplomas last Friday, to the delight of students, parents, and faculty alike.
Held at Bruins Stadium in James J Braddock North Hudson Park in North Bergen, the graduation ceremony was well attended, with the park seeing its bleachers occupied to full capacity. The audience cheered on the 540 graduates.
With over 50 scholarships awarded, Principal Paschal Tennaro confidently introduced his students to the Board Of Education.
“It is with great pleasure, enthusiasm, and pride that I present to you the Class of 2011,” Tennaro said.
The sun finally broke through the clouds as the last of the diplomas were distributed. Cheers erupted from the students.
Mayor Nicholas Sacco spoke next, stressing the significance of the years following graduation.
“These choices affect the rest of your life,” said Sacco. “It’s a lot of anxiety. I’m just here to say that no matter what choice you make, when you’re young, you can do anything you want in the world.”
“You’re graduates today,” said Sacco,” I commend each and every one of you.”
Highlights included students’ speeches. Valedictorian Julian Bello stressed that the experiences in high school are important in conquering the future. To Bello, high school will be the “platform to stand on” when moving on to future challenges, such as his plan to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.
Salutatorian Ruchi Shah had similar ideas.
“North Bergen High School has given us the foundation to walk into the future with confidence, knowledge, and strength,” said Shah, who also stressed the influence parents and teachers have had.
“Good luck and congratulations to the class of 2011,” Shah concluded. “We made it.”
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at editorial@hudsonreporter.com.