Bridgewater-Raritan High School Sends Off 656 Seniors At Rutgers Arena

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan High School celebrated its Class of 2026 on June 18 at Jersey Mike's Arena on the Rutgers University campus in Piscataway.

It was the third year in a row that the high school held commencement at the arena.

An estimated 5,500 family members, friends and guests filled the seats as 656 graduating seniors took part in the ceremony.

The program centered on the graduating class and included remarks from students.

Student Council President Dev Gandhi, Senior Class President Matthew Pizzelanti and Class of 2026 Speaker Stephen Pikulin were listed as speakers during the ceremony.

Principal Dan Hemberger presented the class, Assistant Principal Adam Leaman announced class honors, and Board of Education President Michael Pepe accepted the Class of 2026 on behalf of the district.

The graduation also offered a look at what comes next for the seniors.

According to the school, 479 students will attend a four-year college and 105 will attend a two-year college.

Another 25 students will enter career education or a trade school.

The post-graduation plans released by the school also show that eight students will enter military service.

Thirty-nine students will enter the workforce or are undecided, according to the school.

Together, the figures outline a class heading into a wide range of next steps after leaving Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

To view the full Class of 2026 graduation program, click HERE.

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