FRHSD seniors to mark graduation on June 19

FRHSD seniors to mark
graduation on June 19
By dave benjamin
Staff Writer

The six high schools in the Freehold Regional High School District will conduct their graduation ceremonies on the evening of June 19.

"The class of 2003 will always be remembered as the class that cared," said Superintendent of Schools James Wasser. "Moved by the events of Sept. 11 and Operation Iraqi Freedom, they activated each other to become involved; involved in school activities, as well as in community projects.

"The class of 2003 raised more money for social agencies like the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the Monmouth County Big Brother/Big Sisters than any other class in the history of the regional district. Their involvement and their commitment at such a young age is indicative of the impact this class will make on the future," Wasser said.

"A significant number of students in this graduating class have been accepted to the most prestigious colleges in the nation," he said. "Their hard work and dedication continue to bring honor to their school district."

Wasser said this year’s graduation will be particularly significant for him since it will be the third and final time that he will have the opportunity to present a high school diploma to one of his own children.

"I will have the honor of bestowing a diploma to my son, Keith," the superintendent said.

The graduations will take place at the high schools.

At Colts Neck High School, 225 students will walk down the aisle at 6 p.m. to "Pomp and Circumstance," played by the Colts Neck High School band under the direction of Jack Maniaci.

"This is a class that cares about their community and the world," said Principal Wayne McChesney. "The number of students volunteering to help in the community was exemplary. This class ran enormously successful fund-raisers for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. They raised more money for Big Brothers/Big Sisters than any other group in Monmouth County."

Assistant Superintendent Frank Tanzini will present the class of 2003 and Chris Placitella, Colts Neck’s representative on the Freehold Regional High School District Board of Education, will distribute diplomas to all graduates with the assistance of Tanzini and McChesney.

Freehold Township High School will hold its graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. It is expected that 468 graduates will be in the processional.

"I am extremely proud of this class," said Principal Anthony Procopio. "Their behavior and support for each other and the school community was exemplary during the rigors of high school coupled with the international tensions that shadowed their high school years."

This year a banner will hang from the front of the podium which reads, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

In keeping with an FTHS tradition that invites back the valedictorian from five years earlier, Kareen Rozen, the valedictorian of the class of 1998, will return this year to address the class of 2003.

During his speech to the class, Procopio is expected to speak about the challenges such as 9/11 and the war in Iraq that this class has faced during the past four years.

Assistant Superintendent Patricia Emmerman will present the class of 2003 and Marlene Caruso, the FRHSD board member representing Freehold Township, will distribute diplomas to each graduate with the assistance of Procopio. Special recognition will be give to Raynor Jordan, who died in a car accident in October.

Edward Gattsek, music director, will lead the Freehold Township High School band in several selections: "West Highlands Sojourn," "Overture to the Marriage of Figaro," "Washington Post March" and "Time of My Life."

Graduation for 217 seniors at Freehold Borough High School will be held at 6:30 p.m.

"The staff and administration of Freehold High School are especially proud of this year’s senior class," said Principal Carol McKee. "They represent the ideals that we work so hard to pro­mote at Freehold High School. They model them for the rest of the school."

McKee said the members of the se­nior class have many talents and out­standing achievements in many areas.

"We have great confidence in their ability to succeed in the future and con­tribute to those around them and make the world a better place," said McKee.

In addition to "Pomp and Circumstance," played by the high school band, the school chorus will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Hope for Tomorrow." The musical selections will be under the directorship of Michael Heap.

Students Danielle Garfinkel, John Tomasulo, Brian McGackin, Danielle Lespinasse, Bobby Buechler, James Striffilino and Doug Bunton, who call themselves the Final Farewell, will sing "Don’t Stop Believing."

John Martucci, administrative super­visor, will present the class of 2003 and board member Bonnie Rosenwald of Marlboro will distribute diplomas to the class of 2003. Rosenwald’s daughter, Rory, is a member of the senior class. Martucci and McKee will assist with the distribution of diplomas.

Howell High School will have 401 graduating students this year. Graduation will take place at 6 p.m.

"Extraordinary is defined as excep­tional or remarkable and the class of 2003 is truly extraordinary," said Principal Barbara J. McMorrow. "From the moment they began their journey through their four years at Howell High School, they have proven as a class, and as individuals, to be remarkable."

The principal said parents and guests will hear about the students’ accom­plishments in the areas of academics, athletics and activities.

McMorrow previously announced that she will be retiring after 33 years as an educator and said, "This year I will be walking through the door with the grad­uating class."

Assistant Superintendent for Business Administration Joan Saylor will present the class of 2003 and school board members Kathy Lavin of Farmingdale, and Terry Kraft and Ronald Lawson of Howell will distribute diplomas to the graduates.

Anthony Limaldi will lead the schoolband in several musical selections.

At Manalapan High School, gradua­tion ceremonies for 534 students will take place at 6 p.m.

"The class of 2003 will undoubtedly leave its fingerprint upon society," said Principal Theresa Grey. "The graduates are one of the most accomplished classes to graduate from Manalapan High School. They are truly gifted with academic, social and leadership skills. Their creativity, innovation and enthusi­asm has developed a sense of school spirit that is unsurpassed."

Wasser will present the class of 2003 and school board members Patricia Horvath of Manalapan and Diana Cappiello of Englishtown will distribute diplomas to the graduates with the assis­tance of Wasser.

The band, under the direction of Peter Korey, will play "Pomp and Circumstance." Senior Natalie Weiss will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," senior Rachel Sauer will sing the class song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and senior Vicki Trerotola will sing "God Bless America."

Marlboro High School parents and relatives will see 522 students graduate at 6 p.m.

"This class has allowed Marlboro to take a giant step as one of the best schools in the state," said Principal James Mullevey. "A very talented and dedicated class, this class has brought in more scholarship and grant money than any other class in the history of Marlboro High School. This class (also) has greater numbers of students going to the best colleges in the nation."

Suzanne Koegler, assistant superin­tendent of curriculum and instruction, will present the class of 2003 and board member Bernice Hammer of Freehold Borough, with the assistance of Koegler and Mullevey, will distribute the diplo­mas.

A special good-bye will be given to Zina Duerbig, assistant principal, who will be going to Howell High School, and to Richard Allen, assistant princi­pal, who will be going to Freehold Borough High School.

The band, under the direction of Patrick Dalton, will play "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful," while the chorus, under the direction of Susan Conners, will perform several songs.