Montville Township High School Graduates 319 Seniors

The stadium at Montville Township High School was filled to near capacity on Thursday, June 23, 2016 as the 319 members of the Class of 2016 processed onto the field to prepare to receive their diplomas. The district’s high school graduation was also viewed live on the Montville Township Public School’s Facebook page by more than 2,300 others who were unable to attend the forty-fourth annual ceremony in person.

Principal Douglas Sanford presided over the evening. He began by acknowledging the passing of Samuel Cali and Leonidas Vagias, two 19-year-old members of the community who grew up in the Towaco section of Montville Township and who attended Cedar Hill Elementary School and Robert R. Lazar Middle School before matriculating to Don Bosco in Ramsey, NJ. Only three days before Montville Township’s graduation, the two friends, who graduated in 2015, were victims of a fatal car crash.

“We are here tonight to honor those students seated before us: the Class of 2016,” said Sanford. “Tonight’s ceremony is a joyous occasion, but I know, for many people in this stadium, there is a shadow cast upon this day by the passing of close friends.”

Sanford then paused the proceedings with a moment of silence.

As he continued, Sanford said, “On the first day, when I first met you at orientation in August of 2012, Can someone please tell me what it was that I challenged you to do?”

A lone voice among the graduates spoke up. “Try something new every day,” it said.

“I am so glad that you yelled that out, Mr. MacKay,” Sanford responded, “because this speech would have completely gone south if you hadn’t remembered.”

The principal went on to explain that at the start of each school year he challenges the students to try something new every day.

“It doesn’t have to be a Herculean effort such as climbing Mt. Everest,” he explained. “It can be something as small and trivial as taking a different route through the halls from period three to period four, or sitting with someone different at lunch.”

Sanford noted that he asks students to try different things because, “The high school experience is what you make of it.”

“And the challenge,” he added, “doesn’t apply just to high school. It applies to your whole life.”

The President of the Class of 2016, Grace Hartnett was the first of four students who addressed the Class of 2016. (Read entire speech here)

“Although receiving our diplomas will be our last high school memory,” the young president said. “The journey to achieve this honor has given each and every one of us a collection of happy memories.”

She talked of memories made with family, friends, teammates and teachers.

“This class was something special,” Hartnett noted. “Part of that may be because there was never a dull moment, but a more significant reason is because we always supported each other. During our time here we were all competing against each other, in class rankings and college acceptances. Most people wouldn't be surprised if we viewed each other as opponents, but instead we lifted each other up. We were not jealous. We were proud when one of our classmates was accepted into their dream school or a member of a sports team broke a record. By attending homecoming, sporting events, and supporting our clubs this class has shown more unity and togetherness than any other MTHS class I have witnessed, and that is something to be proud of.”

Student Activities Council President Tasneem Amer, also spoke of family, faculty and friends. (Read entire speech here)

“This place has taught me many, many, things,” Amer said. “And as we leave here today, I know I am not alone when I say, I won’t look back on the tests I've taken or the papers I've written. I am going to remember the lessons I've learned, the people I’ve met, and the times I’ve laughed so hard my stomach hurt.”

Salutatorian Stacy Wang, said that the MTHS Class of 2016 is unique. (Read entire speech here)

“As Maya Angelou wrote,” Wang said: ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.’ And what better statement could be said for this class? The class filled with star athletes and pageant queens and models. With state champs and national placers. With performers, writers, and even a Greek rapper to round things off.”

She encouraged her classmates to take a moment to live the moment that is graduation, and all that leads up to it.

“Before you get to bask in the glory of the hundreds of likes your Instagram post about graduating will get,” she said, “I want to focus on the smaller, more ordinary moments in life. The ones that don't make their way to Instagram.”

Superintendent Dr. René Rovtar also suggested that the graduates take a moment to enjoy and remember both graduation and the high school experience.

“In the next few days and weeks before your embark on your next adventure in life,” Rovtar said, “tell these classmates what they have meant to you, how they have supported you, how they made you laugh. Take a moment to relive a great accomplishment you shared, a favorite class, or simply tell them how much it has meant to you to have them in your life.”

“Tell them, don’t text them,” Rovtar emphasized as the audience broke into applause. “Make the personal connection.”

Valedictorian Rachel Stuto spoke of fear and courage. She explained that for almost a month, from the day she learned she was Valedictorian, all she could think of was her fear about giving a speech. (Read entire speech here)

“I didn’t realize what this fear meant until a few weeks ago,” explained Stuto. “Our four years at Montville Township High School taught all of us this lesson. With every presentation in front of the class or the chance to join a new club, we all felt this pinch of fear and hesitation, wondering if we should just stay where we are or take the leap and try something new. But it is the feeling of comfort, rather than our fear, that is most dangerous to us.”

In conclusion, Stuto offered her classmates this advice: “I hope that when you leave here tonight you will at least take away this one thing. Remember that it is okay to be scared, because being afraid means you are about to do something really, really courageous. Challenge yourself, do not take no for an answer, be resilient, and above all know your largest fear carries your greatest growth.”

Senior Class Advisors Dana Bertoli, Heather Einstein and Alyssa Reilly spoke to the Class of 2016 about trying new things and being open to new ideas.

“The significance and beauty of graduating high school,” said Bertoli, “is that it is now time to write your own story. Your opportunities are endless.”

Montville Township Board of Education President Dr. Matthew Kayne congratulated the graduates on their growth and maturity.

“It was just 13 years ago when you took your first kindergarten bus ride and walked across the threshold of one of our five elementary schools,” he said. “Over the ensuing years you have grown immeasurably.”

Kayne told the class that with their knowledge and maturity they will make the decisions that will govern their lives.

“I see socially responsible young adults and creative artists…. Each of you has the opportunity to use your Montville Township education to pursue a lifestyle that is adapted to your personal ambitions and passions.”

Members of the MTHS Symphonic Band, Orchestra and Concert Choir, under the direction of teachers Kenneth Korlishin, Andrew Havington and Kristen Markowski provided the processional of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” the recessional of Copland’s “Variations on a Shaker Melody,” and The Beatles’ “In My Life.” The Concert Choir also sang the MTHS “Alma Mater” by Morrell.

Following the ceremony, the majority of the class attended Montville Township’s Project Graduation. Now in its thirty-second year, the township’s Project Graduation is the oldest substance-free, post-graduation event in NJ. It is supported by corporate and individual donations and funds allocated by the Montville Township Committee. The all-night event is coordinated by the volunteers of the Montville Township Drug Awareness Council.