Freehold Regional seniors reach graduation day ’02 Ceremonies at all six FRHSD buildings set for evening of June 20

Freehold Regional seniors
reach graduation day ’02
Ceremonies at all six
FRHSD buildings set
for evening of June 20

Students at the six high schools of the Freehold Regional High School District have been counting down the days, hours and minutes to their graduation. Tomorrow will be the day they have been waiting for all year, as graduation ceremonies are held at the district schools.

"The class of 2002 is the largest in Freehold Regional’s history," said Super-intendent of Schools James Wasser. "They have all the values we hope to instill in young people. They are intelligent, compassionate, tolerant and energetic."

At the six FRHSD schools combined, there are 2,191 graduates. This year’s total enrollment in the district was about 9,700 students. District administrators have said they expect the enrollment to surpass the 10,000-student mark by the time school opens in September.

Wasser said that following the tragic events which occurred on Sept. 11, the district’s students proved they are committed to community service.

"They are, above all, resilient," Wasser said. "The future of our nation is in good hands."

Graduation ceremonies will take place on June 20 at 6 p.m. for students at Free-hold Township, Manalapan and Marlboro high schools, and on June 20 at 6:30 p.m. for students at Colts Neck, Freehold Borough and Howell high schools.

At Colts Neck, 204 seniors will be marching down the aisle to the familiar sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance" played by the Colts Neck High School band.

"The class of 2002 is the first that has been at Colts Neck four full years," said Principal Wayne McChesney. "They are a wonderful group of students who have helped to establish school traditions and set a standard for future Colts Neck classes. We’ve had a lot of fun."

Guests will also hear a special musical selection, "Fanfare," to be played by the Colts Neck High School band.

There will be 252 graduates at Freehold Borough.

"The class of 2002 is a spirited group," said Principal Dr. Carol McKee. "I firmly believe they will make their mark in this world."

McKee said this year’s class of graduates has what it takes to apply what they’ve learned in high school. She said the graduates can make a difference in whatever field they choose.

In addition to Elgar’s "Pomp and Circumstance," the Freehold Borough High School band will play "Walk Along Beside Me" and "America the Beautiful."

Freehold Township will see 441 seniors toss their hats in the air.

"Congratulations to the class of 2002," said Principal Dr. Anthony Procopio. "This commencement marks the culmination of the ‘Year of the Patriots’ in virtually every academic, athletic and co-curricular area."

Procopio said this year’s class of graduates has reached new heights.

"As a group, they have come together and have provided a standard for other Patriot family members to reach," the principal said.

At Howell, 390 graduates will move the tassels on their graduation caps.

"The class of 2002 is imbued with a renewed spirit of patriotism since the events of Sept. 11," said Principal Barbara Mc-Morrow. "They have demonstrated that in addition to academics and athletics, they are also dedicated to the society in which they live. As individuals, they have compassion for each other, and as a class, they have brought honor to Howell High School."

At Manalapan, 471 graduates will receive their diplomas.

"The class of 2002 has experienced many personal tragedies since Sept. 11, and they have also had many wonderful accomplishments as well," said Principal Terri Grey. "It is through their demonstration of strength, courage and perseverance, which they have exhibited, that I am assured they are prepared to face the challenges they will meet in the years to come."

At Marlboro, 433 seniors will walk to the podium to receive their diplomas.

"This class has exceeded all of our expectations, not only in honors, scholarships and awards, but also through service to their school and community," said Principal James Mullevey. "They are a very special group of young people who have put Marlboro High School on the map."