Morristown High Class of ’17, dubbed ‘Most Accomplished,’ reflects on diversity, respect

 

 

By Bailey McGuinn

Morristown High School’s Class of 2017 — possibly the “most accomplished” class in school history, according to the district superintendent–was sent into the world on Thursday with words of humor, hope, and a celebration of diversity.

The importance of accepting others, especially in these tumultuous times, was a key message of the 144th MHS commencement, held inside a packed Mennen Arena in Morris Township.

Administrators thanked the 465 students — the largest graduating class in years– for supporting each other in the face of tensions, and for their determination to find unity despite their differences.

Principal Mark Manning encouraged the class to continue treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of disagreements.

Referencing the American Revolution, Manning explained that “the fact of the matter is that we continue to live in very uncertain times, and we are sending you out into an unsettled world– one that is radically different from the world I entered after graduating from high school shortly after the Vietnam War.

“We live in a world where rampant and callous indifference has diminished respect for humanity. The good news is that there is hope– and you, graduates, are the embodiment of that hope.”

Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin

 

‘I MADE IT, MA!’

The MHS Concert Band ushered in the parade of administrators, faculty, and maroon-draped students with the obligatory Pomp & Circumstance. Graduating members of the school choir, Kelly Giammarino and Anna Lebold, sang the National Anthem, followed by the school’s Alma Mater, harmonized by graduates Aja Baitey, Abby Bautista and Charles Brooks.

Later, the Senior Choir performed History by One Direction, arranged by choir Director Michael Nuzzo, and accompanied on guitar by graduate Spencer Butts. Nuzzo, choir teacher at MHS for 18 years, and Douglas Rutan, band teacher for 16 years, were recognized as they approach retirement.

Other highlights included a standing ovation for graduate Matt Manion, who has been accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Major Patrick Doyle, admissions liaison officer for the Academy, praised Manion’s accomplishments and sacrifices as he will work towards becoming a Second Lieutenant.

Graduates Frank Bravo, Andrew Cumming, Esteban Martinez-Yohari, Wilson Maya and Juan Rios Castro were honored during the Pledge of Allegiance for their commitments to serve in the military.

One of the evening’s lighter moments came when alumni from the Class of 1967 were given certificates for their 50th anniversary.

Waving his certificate at the crowd, George Towns gleefully proclaimed: “I made it, Ma!”

Afterward,  Elliott Davis, ’67, offered his advice to the Class of ’17.

“Just don’t fall prey to b.s.,” said the retired house painter. “If you see a good thing coming your way, don’t pass it by.

“It would be sad for me to see anyone come this far and bust it down the toilet. The opportunities offered to them are astounding. There’s a lot of talent here,” Davis observed.

Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin

 

BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST?

That appraisal was shared by Mackey Pendergrast, superintendent of the Morris School District.

“It’s certainly possible that this class may be the most accomplished in Morristown High School’s 100-plus year history,” he said, listing numerous awards, nominations and successes of the theater department, musicians and artists, the rocketry- and sports teams, film students, and students in ALL IN — a program promoting inclusion.

That spirit is as impressive as all the trophies and prestigious college acceptances, said Pendergrast, a former history teacher.

“I always was struck by the simple acts of kindness and support by strangers that changed the trajectory of our entire nation,” he said, citing stories of Alexander Hamilton, Frederick Douglass and Helen Keller, underdogs who soared thanks to helping hands.

“I mention this today because our district, and as we’ve heard previously, MHS, are committed to this core principle. We take care of each other, and we make sure that each of us belongs.

“And I think we can attest to the fact that this senior class is remarkable in this way as well,” Pendergrast said. “Class of 2017, thank you for creating an environment where we elevate each other. This will be your enduring legacy.”

Watch those hats! Video by Bailey McGuinn

LIFE IS CHEMISTRY

Class officers echoed that theme.

“If you’re from Morristown High School, you’ve known the real world since the first day,” said Anastasia Bergeron, president of the school’s student government organization.

“Morristown High School students aren’t afraid to express themselves or be open to the views of others. This is why no safe space is necessary for a class like ours.”

In an energetic and bilingual speech, Class President Ramiro Bruno reflected: “When I look upon the sea of eager and beautiful faces, I see diversity– not just in the multicultural sense, but in the various passions and skills that each student possesses.

“I’m thankful that I got to spend four of my best years here, because at Morristown, you can be who you are, without judgment.

“This class undoubtedly shows utmost respect for each other, despite conflicting agendas, and looks past differences to come together as a class,” Bruno said.

“It’s the best class in Morris County, the best class in New Jersey, and in the United States.”

Salutatorian Isabelle Augensen challenged classmates to live lives that matter.  She started with a touch of humor.

“I’d like to apologize that I have to speak here in front of you, while the courteous of you fake interest for the next five minutes. I’m honestly quite not sure for whom this task is about to be more arduous,” she began.

Augensen said she wanted to drop distinctions between high school and the “real” world.

“Sure, high school is a pivotal time in each of our developments… But these experiences are still entirely valid in shaping our characters, determining what we want out of our lives, and achieving exactly that.”

Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin

 

Valedictorian Carolyn Wong entertained the hockey arena with some shtick, ripping up and flinging away her speech after acknowledging she did not have permission “to stand up and read the entire Bee Movie script to you all.”

Instead, she spoke from the heart, using her passion for chemistry to fuel an elaborate analogy.

“As a budding chemist, I saw a microcosm of human interactions mirrored by the molecules I was reacting,” said Wong, whose sister Cathy was valedictorian in 2013.

“You can memorize that in cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen react to form carbon dioxide and water, which energizes our existence. But the foundations of life, and the optics around you, are missed. The beauty of the reaction, the effects of your actions, on the elements of your life and the lives of others, remains hidden.”

Wong urged the class to remember that “the world is your laboratory to explore. Go out, and make as many experiments as possible.”

Bailey McGuinn is a rising senior at MHS. Kevin Coughlin contributed to this report. MorristownGreen.com wishes the best to all of this year’s graduates–and especially to Emma Piascik, Ally Monfalcone and Nicole Williams, whose writing enlivened our electronic pages, and to Charlie Brooks and Phil Capuzzi, for their colorful Colonial Corner sports videos.