BAYONNE – The Bayonne class of 2014 valedictorian spoke to students about creating their own good fortunes in life on Tuesday, June 24 at the Bayonne High School graduation exercises.
Approximately 600 students received their diplomas in the evening ceremony held at the Richard Korpi Ice Rink on the school grounds.
In her address, valedictorian Hannah McMullan said that life’s victories are out there for the taking.
“We must all remember that we are the architects of our own fate, of our own fortune,” McMullan said. “Now, more than ever, in these difficult economic times, we must be willing to work hard and to be proactive in order to secure the future we want for ourselves. We cannot wait for success to come to us; we must actively seek out our own success.”
Earlier in the program, Schools Superintendent Dr. Patricia McGeehan said the group of seniors were leaving behind a fine record.
“The great class of 2014 is headed for the future,” she said. “They leave behind an excellent legacy.”
Yamilet Zesua, 18, was gushing about her achievement, and her future, upon leaving the ceremony.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I can’t wait to go to college. I have to start fresh.”
Among the post-secondary institutions the graduates are headed to are Brandeis, Columbia, Duke, Loyola, New York, Pennsylvania State and Villanova universities, and the universities of Miami and Tampa. Local schools include New Jersey City and St. Peter’s universities.
The students were awarded more than $13 million in scholarships, grants, and other aid, according to McGeehan. – Joseph Passantino
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