North Bergen High School’s seniors graduated in Bruins Stadium on June 24 amid cheers from family and friends in the stands.
The seniors received a multitude of awards, including those that recognized an array of academic, athletic, or artistic talents.
“I know the seniors are eagerly expecting of one of my famous speeches of pain and discipline as opposed to pain and regret, but unfortunately I’m sorry to disappoint you,” said Principal Paschal Tennaro. “It’s obvious that you have gone through the pain and discipline of being focused. That brings you here this morning [and] there are no regrets.”
Superintendent of Schools Robert Dandorph said that at first they weren’t sure if they would have to move the ceremonies inside due to the gray skies above, which cleared during their graduation.
“Today is more than just an ending.” – Parag Patel
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Super students
Dandorph presented valedictorian Parag Patel with an award for being first in his class, an honor he earned with a perfect 5.0 G.P.A. Dandorph joked that when he went to school, a 4.0 was perfect, so Patel must be “superman.”
“Today represents the culmination of these past four years,” said Patel, “but as we reflect, we quickly come to the realization that today is more than just an ending. It is a gateway, a gateway that channels our past experiences for future reference.”
Patel said that high school was a place where students were able to break down their preconceived notions, and called that practice for the challenges that await them.
Overcoming challenges
Sacco said that he understood the challenges students had faced.
“Everybody thinks that senior year is just so easy and a lot of fun,” said Sacco. “Not many people realize, once it’s over, the type of anxiety each and every one of you have experienced. Now it’s real choices.”
He said that whatever choice they made was right, because they were young and could figure it out along the way. Sacco admitted that he changed his major six times in college.
Sacco presented salutatorian Michael Gutierrez with an award. Gutierrez graduated with a 4.8 G.P.A.
Gutierrez’s speech focused on how high school, with its various clubs, exams, and time commitments, would prepare students for the world outside.
“[There are] fears of applying to college, the fears of completing our senior year research papers, the fears of acceptation and rejection, and the fears that come with the ending of an entire cycle of life [we have experienced],” said Gutierrez. “Yes, we worked hard and exceeded beyond expectation. Moreover high school not only involved academics, but aspects that helped shape us.”
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.