FRHSD seniors ready for final high school ceremony

BY LARRY HLAVENKA JR.
Staff Writer

The Freehold Regional High School District will celebrate its 2,842 graduating seniors on June 20. Ceremonies across the district will begin at 6 p.m. - except at Colts Neck High School, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., and at Manalapan High School, which will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Superintendent of Schools James Wasser commended the accomplishments of this year's senior class.

"The members of the class of 2006 have demonstrated their special qualities and talents since the first day of their freshman year," Wasser said. "They have been accepted into some of the most prestigious and most competitive universities in the country.

"The accolades and awards bestowed upon members of this graduating class speak to their intelligence, volunteerism and compassion for mankind. There is no doubt that we will continue to hear about this class and the wonderful things they will accomplish," the superintendent said.

At Howell High School, 430 students will move their tassels to the left side.

Principal Zina Duerbig admires the graduates' character.

"The class of 2006 came into high school after our world had forever changed and are now graduating with renewed optimism and hope for the future," she said. "This class also distinguished itself by its kindness, community service and dedication to friends and family."

Duerbig also gave a sample of her remarks for the ceremony in saying, "life is truly a journey that one does not travel alone. The class of 2006 epitomizes the meaning of friendship and appreciates those who have helped them to arrive at this milestone in their lives."

FRHSD board members Ronald Lawson, Joan Leimbach and Kathie Lavin will attend the graduation.

At the newest of the district's six schools, Colts Neck, 374 students will receive their diplomas. The celebration signifies the end of two eras.

Principal R. Wayne McChesney will retire after this summer and beginning with the 2006-07 school year, the senior class enrollment will surge to more than 500 students. Thus, the class of 2006 will likely be the school's last "small class."

McChesney is looking forward to the ceremony.

"This is a special graduation for me because I am graduating with [the students]," he said. "I join [them] in moving on to a new phase in our lives and embracing new adventures."

Wasser will attend the Colts Neck graduation, joined by Assistant Superintendent Joan Nesenkar Saylor and FRHSD Board of Education member Christopher Placitella.

Freehold Township High School will celebrate its largest graduating class - 485 students. Principal Elizabeth Higley feels a connection with this year's graduates.

"I have a special bond with the class of 2006 because I became the assistant principal for their first two years and then their principal for the next two," she said. "This class has exhibited an enormous amount of school spirit and high academic achievement. They helped to make my first full year as principal a wonderful and rewarding experience."

In keeping with tradition, the ceremony will feature a banner prepared by art students. This year's theme is "Closing one door and opening the door to our dreams." The students' design will also appear on the graduation program.

Lauren Siciliano, the valedictorian of the class of 2001, will address the graduates as Freehold Township continues its tradition of welcoming back the valedictorian from five years prior to the current class.

Assistant Superintendent Frank Tanzini and board representative Michael Wright Sr. will attend the ceremony.

At Freehold High School, Freehold Borough, 333 graduates will march to "Pomp and Circumstance" at Cal Wilson Football Field. There, Principal Linda Jewell (class of 1968) will preside over her first graduating class at her alma mater.

"I will always remember the class of 2006 for providing me with such a warm welcome back to Freehold High School," she said. "I wish each and every one of the graduates success in the future. I welcome them to those of us who proudly call ourselves alumni."

On a somber note, the parents of Robert Boudin, a senior who was killed in an August automobile accident, will receive a posthumous degree from the principal.

Assistant Superintendent Patricia Emmerman and board member Bunny Hammer will also attend the graduation.

At Manalapan High School, 600 graduates will be addressed by Principal Anthony Procopio and former principal Terri Grey, who recently retired.

Even in his truncated year, Procopio has lasting memories of the class of 2006. He said the seniors will be remembered for their "enthusiasm and appreciation for their school."

"The class of 2006 is an exceptional group. Their perseverance and enthusiasm will enable them to make significant contributions in our world," he said.

Wasser and FRHSD board members Patricia Horvath and Diana Cappiello will attend the ceremony.

Skylar Dobbs, under the direction of music director Jos Maunez, will kick off the festivities with her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

At Marlboro High School, 620 seniors will graduate.

Principal James Mullevey noted their overwhelming success and said the members of the class of 2006 will attend many top-tier schools, including Harvard, MIT, Georgetown, Columbia, Princeton and Cornell. The graduates received almost $10 million in awards and scholarships.

"[They] entered the doors of Marlboro High School four years ago and the school has been touched by their kindness, their ability to share their talents and their service to each other and the community," Mullevey said. "They have made significant contributions to the Marlboro High School community and have made it a better place for the students who will follow them."

Ellen Horowitz, administrative supervisor of student services, and board member BonnieSue Rosenwald will attend the ceremony at the home of the Mustangs.

The names of this year's valedictorians and salutatorians were not available at press time.