More than the basic reading, writing and arithmetic that goes along with the day-to-day lives of high school students, the class of 2001 at Memorial High School learned the importance of team work and being a part of the community.
This year’s graduating class was able to turn every event into a celebration before moving on to college or the work force.
This year, instead of just handing out the Senior Class Poll awards during an assembly in the school’s auditorium, the senior class held a semi-formal dinner dance. This event included the entire school community and the parents, who donated food and decorations for the event.
That event was just a warm-up to the senior class prom that took place on May 25 at the Bethwood in Totowa. “This is a very involved class,” said Principal Matthew Sinisi, explaining that the school has worked a lot with the senior citizen community and the town’s day care program. The school took part in the town’s Mother’s Day Picnic and events such as Read Across America.
This effort to involve the community in their education really paid off when the school sent out a cry for help in holding their Project Graduation event. When the residents and merchants heard that the school was going to have to cancel the event because there wasn’t enough money, the community came out in full force to help the senior class.
“A lot of the community members have gotten through to us,” said Sinisi. “It shows a good working relationship for both.”
The senior class also learned what could be accomplished if they worked together.
More than half of the senior class participated in a large fundraiser event that helped to pay for the senior class bills and activities that included cap and gowns, T-shirts, the senior luncheon and senior prom. The fundraiser included selling holiday items from a Traditions catalogue.
“When they are freshmen, they see graduation as a long way off,” said Mary Ann Cinque, one of the senior class advisors that has followed the class since they were freshman. “Then all of a sudden it is here. Then they pull together and become more involved.”
However, with all of the fun that seemed to follow this class around, the Memorial High School seniors were still able to hit the books.
“Many of the students are moving on to higher education, and some to very fine schools,” said Sinisi. “That is a very positive thing.”
Class Valedictorian Paula Arboleda will be attending Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia, where she plans to study political science. Class Salutatorian Diana Perez will be attending the College of New Jersey where she plans to study business.
Memorial High School will graduate approximately 320 students on June 22 at Miller Stadium at 6 p.m.