8th-graders say farewell at MEMS graduation

The Robert J. Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, was a sea of red caps and gowns on June 19 as the Manalapan Englishtown Middle School (MEMS) held commencement exercises for its eighth grade graduating class of 2009.

Manalapan Englishtown Middle School eighth-graders converge in their caps and gowns on June 19 on the grounds of Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, while awaiting the start of commencement exercises in the Robert J. Collins Arena. Below, the graduates receive their diplomas. The ceremony went forth without a hitch as approximately 700 future high school students were presented with their diplomas by Manalapan Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education Vice President Joseph De- Pasquale and board members Annamarie Galante, Ryan Green, Valerie Maglione and James Mumolie.

Austin Baicher, Hailey Kaiser, Monica Lee, Brianna Messina, Hailey Pensky and Lauren Schwartz read the graduates' names as their classmates were awarded their diplomas.

Carly Zucker, president of the MEMS Student Council, led the graduates, school district officials and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a stellar performance of "The Star- Spangled Banner" by Vanessa Simmons.

PHOTOS BY AMY ROSEN In his welcoming speech, MEMS Principal Robert Williams borrowed the words of educator Marva Collins, saying, "Success does not come to you, you go to it." Williams advised the students to "take advantage of all that life and high school has to offer you."

A high point of the program came when the speakers from each of the school's five communities addressed the audience.

Graduate Sarah Kim, who is confined to a wheelchair, represented the Sigma community and stood while everyone in attendance heard her words.

Her presentation was followed by speeches from Sarah Friedfertig, of the Omega community; Kristen Fortuna, of the Theta community; Victoria Villafane, of the Kappa community; and Jordan Chervin, of the Lambda community.

Williams presented the class of 2009 to Manalapan Englishtown Superintendent of Schools John J. Marciante Jr.

Marciante told the students that the graduation was not just a symbol of their accomplishments, but also a celebration.

He asked the parents and students to think of the best time they had in the last nine years, reminding them of the numerous special events all district students have had the opportunity to partake in, such as Immigration Day, talent shows and most recent Fun Day, to name a few.

Marciante suggested that the students make those memories a part of the celebration and asked them to discuss their memories with their friends when they got a chance. (He got a chuckle from the audience when he suggested they text each other.)

The superintendent then encouraged the graduates to think about the future, high school and college, but to do that the next day.

"This is your day to celebrate all of the wonders of the past nine years," Marciante said. "This is an accomplishment you have worked hard for. Good luck in the future — enjoy today."

In an emotional conclusion, parents and other audience members gave the young scholars a standing ovation and an extended period of applause as they left the arena on their way to higher education, bright futures and, of course, summer vacation.