Seven hundred “Soaring Eagles” graduated from Union City High School last Friday, June 24. It was the second class to graduate from the new school building on Kennedy Blvd.
“The class of 2011 has faced many challenges throughout their four years in high school, especially the last two years as they arrived to the new Union City High School,” said Principal David Wilcomes. “I hope that they have learned the values and traditions associated with being Union City students. Respect yourself and your family and those around you.”
Through adversity
Student Hamlet Diaz, who is known at the school as intelligent and a good friend, spoke at the event about being born blind and immigrating to the U.S.
‘Respect yourself and your family and those around you’— David Wilcomes
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He added, “I was born blind in the Dominican Republic and at a young age my parents brought me the U.S. to receive the best education. I faced many difficult challenges such as learning English, reading and writing in Braille, solving mathematical problems, different computer technology systems, and using my cane to walk around. I was determined to get to where I am today. How grateful I am that even though I am blind I was treated like everyone else.”
Principal Wilcomes mentioned that the school did not need a keynote speaker since the words Hamlet shared with the class were of great worth.
The valedictorian, Paola Severino, also spoke.
“These next couple of years, whether they are in college or not, are about – well, that’s the thing. We don’t know what they are about. And quite honestly it’s okay not to know,” said Severino. “Nobody has it all planned out. Nobody has eliminated every single possible bad scenario in their life. Nobody can avert failure forever.”
Co-Valedictorian Kevin Erazo said, “You will fail at something. It’s bound to happen. Whether it’s that science final you did not care about or simply failed to thank someone. But please don’t be discouraged. I know most people become frustrated or depressed because they failed at something.”
“If there is one thing I hope you get from this speech,” added Erazo, “failure is never personal only, but an invaluable moment where you can ask yourself what I can do better. We need to stop [focusing] about what has happened or how I could have been different, but instead you need to move forward in whatever direction you choose, with the hope you will prevail.”
New path
The graduating class has many students going on to in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities.
Christopher Sanchez plans to study computer technology at Hudson Community County College.
Marisela Garcia also plans to go the Hudson County Community College to study nursing because “it is a promising future.”
Julissa Marero plans to go to New Jersey City University to study pre-med. “I have always had a passion for helping people,” said Marero.
Giovanny Garcia plans to go to Hudson County Community College as an undecided student, but with the hope of finding a field of study soon. He said he’s thankful for his mom and family encouraging him to keep focused when he was having difficulty adjusting to school and life.
Michele Carolina Abril said, “I am starting college at Bergen Community on July 5th and I am going to study two years, then transfer to Ramapo College to study international Studies.” Abril is also considering law school after undergraduate study.
Perla Abreu plans to go to Hudson County Community College to study social services. Abreu is five months pregnant and has a 2-year-old son.
“I watched my mom and family struggle with the people at social services,” said Abreu, “and I want to be that person that helps people in need.”
Santo Sanabria may be reached at SSanabria@hudsonreporter.com.