The class of 2011 bade farewell to Secaucus High School on June 27 during the 35th annual commencement at the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center. Over 1,000 parents, relatives, faculty, and friends gathered to celebrate the 156 graduates.
“Tonight is a bittersweet experience,” said Leila Yang during the salutatory address. Her most memorable moments from high school included being part of the Math and Science Academy, Spirit Week, and her internship experience. She described perseverance as one element that had helped the students get to graduation day.
“I truly feel that we have come a long way.” – Leila Yang
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Yang graduated with a 4.34 grade point average and will attend Cornell University.
Be your own superman
“We are the definition of superman,” said Class President Brianna Charles during an emotional, rousing speech that ended with a standing ovation from fellow classmates. She mentioned that this graduating class has been through a lot with three different principals in the past four years. She described her fellow classmates as a second family. “It is our time to shine,” said Charles.
Valedictorian Yangfan Liu gave an inspirational speech mixed with humor. She reflected on the past and recalled how she didn’t speak English when she first began school.
“Everyone has changed in one way or another,” said Liu. She talked about life lessons and what she has learned along the way.
“High School is like a roll of toilet paper,” she said, inciting laughter. “The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.”
Liu graduated with a 4.38 average and plans to study engineering at Cornell University.
A gift to remember
Kendyl Voli, first vice president of the class, presented SHS with two flags to be placed outside of the school. The gift was accepted by John McStowe, Vice-President of the Board of Education.
“Never forget where you come from,” said Class Advisor Amanda Jones in her address. Jones described the graduating students as a “class known for having a heart of a champion.” Students had worked with Jones and Keith Schneider on a number of events throughout the year including breakfast with the Easter Bunny, a haunted high school event, and senior week, among others. Jones also thanked her fellow colleagues for their support.
Principal Dr. Robert Berckes, Master of Ceremonies, said the evening’s last words before presenting the diplomas. He addressed the parents as he said, “Eighteen years have gone by. You can be very proud.” He thanked the parents for instilling values of respect, love, understanding, patience, tolerance and acceptance into their children. He asked the class of 2011 to share the gift of those values with others.
“Feed on the wisdom from your mom and dad and grandparents,” said Berckes. He told the audience that graduation is the night that belongs to parents. He reflected on the past as he told the class of 2011 that there was “Not one moment I would give up that I spent with you.”
Superintendent of Schools Cynthia M. Randina gave the welcoming remarks and spoke about life lessons, stating that “The past 12 years built a foundation” and the next step after graduation is the “beginning of a life story not yet written.”
The evening program ended with resounding cheers and a celebration after students accepted their diplomas from Board of Education President Salvatore Menente and Assistant Principal Frank Costello. Caps were tossed into the air and students met their family and friends outside the auditorium.
A few more recollections
At the ceremony, parents and families shared reflections on the moment. Joseph and Theresa Milko had driven up from Jackson, N.J. to see their nephew, Joseph Rizzolo. They described the moment as “bitter sweet” given that Rizzolo is the second to last among the nephews and nieces to graduate. Rizzolo plans to attend Montclair State University, the college his Aunt Theresa attended and where two of his cousins are currently enrolled.
“I cannot believe she is already an adult and will go away to college,” said Yelena Shterenberg, parent of graduate Monica Shterenberg, who will be attending Pennsylvania State University. Monica’s brother Steven just graduated from Cornell and said he was “Very proud [of her]. She worked hard, had a good time, and now has hard work ahead.”
Brittany Mitchell stood outside alongside her sister, best friend, mom and dad for a group picture. She plans to study engineering at Pennsylvania State University. She said that graduation was “A dream come true.”
Adriana Rambay Fernández may be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.