WASHINGTON TWP. - After four years of character-building experiences befitting the backstory of a disaster movie, West Morris Central High School's Class of 2024 was sent out to the world on Thursday, June 6. And what a backstory it was. After all, the 252 graduates spent the first half of their high school years learning virtually, thanks to the pandemic. After that, there were storms and - to top it off - the 4.8 magnitude earthquake of April 5, not to mention the nearly 200 aftershocks following it. So it was that by the time the class's 252 students received their diplomas and tossed their caps into the air, one thing was certain - they were more than ready to move on, not with fear, but resiliency. “Despite how we could hardly see each other’s' faces during our freshman and sophomore years and despite the way the lights swung during that earthquake we refused to let these hurdles define us,’’ Valedictorian Zoe Wang said. West Morris Central High School graduates take their seats on the high school football field to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance'' during graduation
Thursday, June 6
Photo by Mark Kitchin
She reminded her classmates that graduation day was all about celebrating their successes and rejoicing in their achievements. She also invoked the school's Wolfpack nickname in talking about how the school has helped them in their experiences. “Through thick or thin and everything in between, never forget your pride in the 'Pack, for the 'Pack will never forget its pride in you,’’ Wang said, referring to the nickname for the school's sports teams, all named the "Wolfpack." Class President Julia Ciccone reminded the classmates and the audience about the school slogan, “Make Your Life Extraordinary,’’ and how doing so is accomplished with the choices and decisions they made throughout their time at West Morris Central. “It is not necessarily the situations we are thrown into but more so how we react to the challenges we face and the split- second decisions we make,’’ Ciccone said. “I urge you to use these challenges to embrace your passions, pursue your goals and ignite the change you want to see.’’ Principal Timothy Rymer talked about April’s earthquake and how the simple phrase everyone used moments after “Did you feel it?’’ can also be appropriate on graduation day. “Did you feel the anticipation when you departed the main gym a few moments ago and walked to the stadium field”? Rymer asked. “Did you feel the excitement of receiving your diploma and walking across the campus as seniors at West Morris Central one final time? “Do you feel the enthusiasm for the next chapter of your life as a graduate of West Morris Central High School? No need to answer any of these questions because yes, I know you feel it. And I do, too. “Enjoy the day, enjoy the moment enjoy that feeling because that is what you will remember about today.’’ The senior class gift was announced by Student Council President Nicholas Dargle and Vice President Celia Ortiz. It is a new mahogany podium to be used on special occasions such as graduations. Among the honored guests were West Morris Superintendent of Schools Barbara Sargent and Board of Education members Lisa Woodring, Suzanne Bliesath and John Sheppard. The graduation was held outside in perfect, late-spring weather and went according to past commencements.
Special Education teacher and ice hockey Coach Philip Togno served as Grand Marshals. Veterans of the American Veterans Association of Washington Township Post 1776 provided the color guard. Long Valley’s fire companies were represented as their two hook and ladder trucks hoisted a large American flag as a backdrop. The Long Valley First Aid Squad was on site in case assistance was necessary. The Choral Reflections were given by the West Morris Central Mixed Choir, conducted by Allison Dilling with Diya Bajaj as the soloist. The West Morris Central Concert Band played, '‘Scotland the Brave." The West Morris Alma Mater was also sung.
Moments after 252 graduation caps were thrust into the air and the stands erupted in cheers, the frenzy of classmates and relatives looking for each other began, as well as the realization that the next step - the walk into the real world - had arrived. “It was a beautiful ceremony,’’ said Katherine daSilva, whose next step is taking a gap year and working in New York City. “I’m glad I’m graduating and we are all so grateful for a beautiful day. “I think it’s a happy day. I’m moving forward in my life, accomplishing things, it is kind of exciting.’’ Madelyn Ai Paguia, who plans on attending Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., to major in neuroscience and minor in music, echoed what many graduates said, that they have been through a lot, and the ceremony’s speeches were pretty accurate in assessing the emotions of the student body. “We have been through so much from Covid, at the very beginning and so many little things like the earthquake but I think we pulled through,’’ Ai Paguia said. “The speeches were great. They were short and sweet and right to the point. I think they said everything I would have said for all my four years. It was a great way to sum it up.’’ Classmate William Hoelzel, who is also going to Lafayette College to major in psychology, added that twinge of trepidation that many graduates were feeling as they embarked on something new.
“You’re almost uncertain of what the future is but at the same time you have to look forward to it and go, I’m ready for the next step,’’ Hoelzel said. Luke Flagg, who is headed for Montclair State, said the class got along very well. “This class is unique,’’ Flagg said. “We are all very friendly with each other. I would call anyone in this class my friend.’’ Not that graduation went free from an unanticipated challenge. As the diplomas were handed out wind gusts picked up, and graduates struggled to keep their caps on their heads. “I thought my cap would fall off,’’ said Taylor Weth, who is receiving a swimming scholarship to St. Francis University in Loretto, Pa., and will study to be a physician's assistant. “I liked everything. It was nice out and we were able to walk outside and everything was great.’’ Along with her classmates, Natalia Wolinski, who plans on studying biology at the University of Michigan, and Keira Bolio, who is staying closer to home at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy in New Brunswick agreed that their West Morris classmates also showed resiliency by their successes in their various interests, like athletics, academics, the arts, music and theater. “Our first year of high school was during the pandemic,’’ Bolio said. “We were in this new situation and we didn’t get the whole school experience, but we persevered. We are all walking on graduation. We made it through.’’