The Manchester Township High School Class of 2009 was heralded as a diverse class of talented and caring students at graduation ceremonies on June 22.  The graduates were welcomed with cheers and applause as they entered the football field and took their seats, boys in blue gowns, girls in gold.  The school’s NJROTC Color Guard presented the flag and Student Government Officers, Zoilminer P. and Julian M., led the flag salute.

Senior Class President, Stephen D., welcomed family, friends and staff.  “As the setting sun descends on the western horizon, the sun is setting on our time as students at Manchester High School,” said Stephen.  “Just as the day gives way to night, high school must give way to a new course in life, one that introduces an abundance of responsibilities and brings with it enormous possibilities.”

“Don’t get too comfortable,” is the advice Salutatorian Amanda B. had for her classmates. “Excessive comfort leads to laziness.  Stagnant people do not grow; therefore they are not motivated to accomplish great things.  They are unwilling to look beyond their surroundings and step out of their comfort zone to grasp the many possibilities life is offering.

“As a graduating senior, I’ve finally gotten comfortable with high school.  That’s how I know that it is time to move on to something new and different.  We are all capable of accomplishing something extraordinary if we seek the purpose to which we are called.”

Valedictorian David B. spoke about the Class of 2009’s journey from elementary students forming straight lines on the playground, to middle school students transitioning from childhood to adolescence, to young adults developing their personalities and becoming individuals in high school.

 “Remember the journey that has led us to this point,” said David.  “It has been a path filled with pressure and relaxation, awkwardness and comfort, setbacks and triumphs.  These milestones of growth have made us the diverse group of individuals which make up this proud graduating class of 2009 at Manchester Township High School.  We have come a long way from being those kids on the playground to becoming young adults who must face the challenges which lie ahead. Get ready, world.  Here comes the class of 2009.”

Class Officers Stephen D., Emberle L., Breeann W., Gabriella D., Alexis C. and Meghan J. presented thank-you gifts to their class advisors, Ms. Fashauer and Ms. Adams, and presented the class gifts to the school.

Superintendent of Schools, David Trethaway, reviewed some of the accomplishments of the Class of 2009, including successes in academics, athletics, art, music, and drama.  “Most important, this class has made a commitment to community service, to giving to those in need.  You give us reason to be optimistic about the future.”

Board of Education President, Mary Walter, congratulated the class and told them it is time for them to make it on their own.  “This is the real show and tell, make the most of it,” she said.   

After all of the graduates received their diplomas, Student Government Officers Rehaam A. and Sarah B. led the graduates in the traditional changing of the tassels from left to right.

MTHS Principal, Alex George, said he was proud to have the Class of 2009 as his first graduating class, thanking them for making his first year as principal a great one.  “When I think of the Class of 2009, it is your leadership and sincere concern for others that stands out in my mind.”

Student Government President, Craig L., made the closing address, pondering something he heard at another graduation, that college is the best four years of your life, but high school is where you’ll always think back to.

“Why is that?” Craig asked.  “Why is this such a crucial moment in the novel that is our life, why is it that these four years are considered a plot point in our made for TV movie?  It’s because of the growth and bond that is formed over years of storming the hallways together, years of playing sports together, years of going to Homecomings and proms and parties and events.”

“I am forever blessed for each and every one of you bringing something new into my life and I know as you sit down before me today and you think back through the years on how you reached this moment, know we did it together, through the drama and the fun times, the good and the bad, the fights and disagreements, we sit here today, together, united, Manchester Township’s Class of 2009.”

[Graduation Photo Slide Show]