Keep chasing bigger ambitions in life, Mamadou Diallo. Some students learn mathematics, a rare few understand its language. You speak it fluently. Take it from a proud mathematics teacher who believed in you from day one. Ladies and gentlemen, our best mathematics awardee, Mamadou Diallo. Roman Leon Guevara. >> [applause] [applause] >> Good evening, everyone. Science is not only about experiments, discoveries, and facts. It is also about curiosity, critical thinking, and the determination to understand the world around us. Tonight, we recognize a student who has shown outstanding excellence in these qualities. The Best in Science Award is presented to a student who consistently demonstrates exceptional understanding, dedication, and achievement in the field of science. With great pride and honor, I present the Best in Science Award to Roman Leon Guevara. >> [applause] >> Congratulations on your accomplishment, Roman. >> [applause] >> Good evening to all. Today, we proudly recognize a student who has shown exceptional excellence in social studies.
Sentimental. Hug your family a little tighter. Thank your friends and let the people who supported you know just how much they mean to you. I'm honored to have been a part of this class. To the class of 2026, congratulations and good night and safe drive.
I also want to thank my parents and brother who helped me, who support me along the way. Let's be honest, we all know the stress of last minute work, whether it's finishing homework right before it's due or submitting assignment right at 11:59. Looking back, those were some of our funniest moments. We wouldn't be here without the help of our teachers, staff, friends, and family. But we should also thank ourselves for our hard work and dedication getting here. Now, think back when we were freshman. We were all lost and intimidated by the upper classmen. But look us now. We're the ones running a show. We have all learned so much here over the years. Each of us with our own unique experiences. The version of you that started high school wouldn't be able to recognize you now. And that's a good thing. Looking ahead, I know each of you would do great things, whether it's going to college, join the military, or entering the workforce.
Glasing [music] feels like it's a [music] comfortable silence. I won't talk about myself [music] in violence. Ever since you [music] ever [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Run away [music] for the night. Got to feel so alive. Can't be free with our caution. [music] Only thing on my mind is you. [music] And I will stay here in comfort silence. I won't talk about myself in violence. Ever since you. >> [music] >> you. [music] I feel she [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Yeah. Yeah. Yes. [music] Yeah. [music] Ever since you Heat. Heat. N. [music] >> [music] >> I am Ben White, the principal of Apollo High School. On behalf of the staff and administration, I would like to welcome you to the commencement exercises of Apollo High School, which celebrates its 56th year with the class of 2026. At this time, Apollo High School NJOTC color guard will present the state and nation's colors, followed by the singing of the national anthem, performed by Apollo's vocal ensemble.
Uh we've accomplished a lot of things and in the next the next 2 years, I would like to continue that that movement forward and progression of things that need to get done and completed. So, um yeah. So, thank you, Joe, for for um all that you've done this year as chair. It's a It's a It's a um It's a lot of work, which I think people don't quite understand how much work it actually is. Um >> Well, I will I have comments that I want to make at the end of the meeting. Okay. >> So, if you don't mind, we'll I want to hold back on it because of these things that people need to understand and and and and and appreciate. And I'm looking at the person that's took over for some of the things that needed to be taken care of while I was So, we'll uh we'll address that at the end of the meeting.
>> First base. >> Ava Vendetti will foul one away. A freshman batting 431. She's had 30 RBI's in 65 at bats. Just incredible numbers. In >> incredible numbers. I've been talking about it all year long. Ava Vendetti is an RBI machine and I think her 30 RBI's have led to the the 29 run score >> as that one gets away and Usarus will score standing up from third base and the clockers get the lead. She goes from first all the way home on pass falls. >> Yeah, and what she did right there is probably stealing another RBI opportunity away from Ava. Um but Ava has been the beneficiary of having you know Nico up to the plate before her cuz Nico gets on base. Eva hits makes hits and Nico can score from anywhere. >> Vanetti shoots that one into center field. It is Oh, what a catch out in center field by Mia Poles.
Ba ba ba bum. And uh so, you know, we're we're really uh working hard. We got some more answers today, more answers that we feel better about than maybe answers in the past. So, we're hopeful that we're we're nearing solutions for some of the problems that we see in the third and fifth grade wing at CLES. So, uh hats off to those staff members. Um, they're troopers. The students uh everyone's just wonderful about trying to work with the situation. And uh I couldn't I couldn't appreciate the staff more than than I do uh for for just their uh resilience, we'll call it. So, thank you. Uh negotiations, we've yeah. Sorry, I just had a a quick question for Casey on that one. Yeah. Is this all related to the same thing that they've been coming out and looking at where the they were like tripping or something?
So, it is a it's a very tenuous we're in a we're in most things take six to eight weeks to come in at this point, right? Unless you can get a guarantee um you know 10day order guarantee kind of thing. So, anything that goes in from this point is is being heavily scrutinized to have some controls and guarantees that they would be in um because that's that's going to be really important. So, um, again, once that June 30th comes, it's hard, you know, to if we didn't if if we don't receive the goods, it goes on next year's books. Uh, and next year is going to look very different than the way this year looked. So, >> great. Okay.
>> [singing] >> In [music] my life, I love But of all [music and singing] these friends and lovers, there [singing] is no one >> [music] >> compares with you. And these memories [singing] lose their meaning when I [music] think of love >> [singing] >> as something new. Though I know I'll never lose [music] affection [singing] for people and things >> [music] >> that went before, >> [singing] >> I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my >> [singing] >> life, I love >> [music] >> you more. >> [singing] [music] >> There are places [singing] I remember all [singing] my life, >> [music] >> though some have changed. Some forever, >> [singing] >> not for better. >> [music] >> Some have gone [singing] >> [music] >> and some remain. Though [music] I know >> [singing] >> I'll never lose affection for people [singing] and things >> [music] >> that went before, I know I'll often stop and think about [singing] them.
That's right. That's right. [ovation][applause] Thank you. Students who earn the state seal of triliteracy, please stand. Huge. [ovation] [applause] Wow. Thank you. Students who earn the Golden State Seal of merit, please stand. [ovation] Thank you. Students who earn the state steal of civic engagement, please stand. Right. [ovation] [applause] Thank you. Last but not least, students who completed the capstone, please stand. [ovation] [applause] Congratulations students on all of your accomplishments. Please take a seat. Class of 2026. This is the last time that I will have all of you together as an audience. I want to send you off with one last message and a heartful wish from me to you. You all may not know this, but when you came in as a freshman years ago, I too came in as a freshman principal full of excitement, hopes, and dreams. That first year for me, just as it might have been for you, was a scary year with so many unknowns and many times when tasks felt impossible to achieve.
So um we just appreciate you so much. been an amazing asset for us and just a clutch person for me to do. And uh there you go. report. >> So now 3.5 we'll have our student representatives come up and report. Oh, sorry.
We already have a a small little list here, so we'll start with these, and if there um is any time remaining, then we'll we will go to um anyone who would like to additionally speak. All right. So, uh we will be starting um this evening with Mandy Browning. I was hoping you'd call Teresa. >> Oh. You can swap it swap. It's up to you. >> is more comprehensive. All right, Teresa. Good evening. My name's Teresa Bond. I'm a parent at Hooker Oak Elementary School, and tonight I want to speak in support of the ACCESS program at Hooker Oak Elementary School and the students it serves. While I do not have a student in the ACCESS program myself, I am here as a Hooker Oak parent because I'm concerned about the physical environment our district is providing some of our most valuable students. To be clear, I want the ACCESS program to remain at Hooker Oak.
>> Any questions? >> The literacy teacher coach position has that already funding been included in the budget? >> Yes, >> it has. Other questions? All right. Um Mr. Golden. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Allen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Phillips. >> Yes. >> Mr. R. Yes, >> Miss Juliano. >> Yes, >> Miss Oriente. >> Yes, >> Miss Helma. >> Yes, >> Mr. B. I will get it right. I promise. Tonight's just not the night. And Mr. Davis, >> I'm going to need to spell that out for myself. Um, I will get it. >> All right. On to business and finance. Um, the financial report is back from the treasurer for April 2026. Um, no line item has been overexpended. There are sufficient funds um available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the year. The treasurer's report and secretary's report are in agreement and there are no changes changes in anticipated revenue amounts or sources.
It feels like just yesterday, Linda. It's been been a lot of years for us both. Time flies when you love what you do. And Linda truly loves our school and the entire district. As our school nurse, Linda's primary focus is keeping our students safe, healthy, and cared for. She goes far beyond the standard duties of her job. Her follow-through is amazing. When a student walks into her office, Linda just doesn't treat the immediate need. She follows up, checks in, and ensures every child and their family have exactly what they need to succeed. Linda is also a team player. She works well with other district nurses, collaborating seamlessly to ensure that our health standards are topnotch and our entire community is protected. Her hard work behind the and her hard work behind the scenes has helped our school community tremendously, especially during times when we needed that steady expert hand most.
Families know she listens without judgment and supports them with compassion and professionalism. Staff rely on her as a trusted partner when students need additional care and support. Her willingness to step in wherever needed reflect reflects her unwavering commitment to the entire school community. For her dedication, her heart, and profound difference she makes in the lives of many, we are very proud to recognize Ms. Carrera as Small Schools Educational Specialist of the Year. Congratulations. >> [applause and cheering] [applause] >> And Dr. Santa Sermer for Community Middle School. >> Hello again. Please join me in welcoming the 2026 Community Middle School Educational Special Specialist of the Year is Brianna Debetta. >> [cheering] [applause] >> As the CMS School Counselor, Ms. Debetta is the stabilizing force for students and families at CMS, and probably for me as well. Thank you. >> Her calm demeanor, thoughtful problem-solving, and objective perspective help guide the school community through complex academic, behavioral, and emotional situations.
So we look forward to continue to bring this space up to what we would like it to be. Um, a couple of other events that Moren mentioned just to kind of keep your head spinning with everything that's going on. Uh, we do have career day on Friday for our eighth graders. It's a really nice tradition here that Mrs. O'Reilly runs. She brings in people from different careers. They spend a morning with our eighth graders talking about, you know, what their daytoday looks like and how they ended up in in the professions where they are. So, we're looking forward to that. And we also have another author visit on Friday for our younger students. So, Friday is going to be chock full of events ending with, you know, a pep rally and a and a community assembly. Um, and, you know, just so much going on.
>> Mr. Nrew, >> yes. >> Dr. Pontiano, >> yes. >> Mr. Rancourt, >> yes. >> Mr. Russo, >> yes. >> Mr. Terabakia, >> yes. >> So moved, Mr. Rinus. >> All right. Thank you, >> Rinfest. and uh members of the public. And I want to just uh I have to excuse myself as a prior commitment. I want to congratulate all the teachers of the year. I've been here 20 years and I have to say we have a a tremendous district here with top-notch teachers and you guys deserve every accolade out there. And on behalf of the board of ed and myself, thank you for everything what you uh do in our district. Everybody have a good evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Jeff. Okay. >> All right. So, at this time, we uh I'd like to invite the principles up and we will be recognizing our teachers of the year.
>> [applause] [cheering] >> And now here's our final selection, We Are Family. Feel free to join in as we sing the chorus several times. >> [applause] >> We are >> [singing] >> family. >> [cheering] >> We are family. >> [singing] >> We are family. >> [singing] >> We are family. Get up everybody and sing. We are family. I've got all my sisters with me. >> [cheering] >> We are family. >> [applause] >> Get up everybody and sing. We are family. >> [applause] >> I've got all my sisters with [cheering] me. We are family. >> [cheering] >> Get up everybody and sing. We are family. >> [cheering] >> I've got all my sisters with me. We are family. Get up everybody and sing. >> [cheering] >> We are family. >> [cheering] >> I've got all my sisters with me. >> [applause] >> We are family. Get up everybody >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Come on!
This award is presented to a learner who consistent who consistent who consistent Sorry. Consistently Sorry. I was confused. Okay, nervous. Who consistently demonstrates A presented to a learner who consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of history, geography, culture, government, and current events. Through curiosity, critical thinking, and active participation, this student has displayed outstanding academic performance and strong appreciation for the importance of responsible citizenship. The Best in Social Studies Award is given to a student who does not excel in classroom activities and discussions, but also inspires others through insights and dedication to learning about the world and society. Congratulations to our recipient of the Best in Social Studies Award, Roman Gion Guevara. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you, middle school teachers, and congratulations to our awardees. At this time, we are honored to hear a message from someone who plays a vital role in supporting our students, staff, and our schools across the district.
Good evening everyone. My name is Ya Albadri and it is truly an honor to stand before you tonight. When people talk about high school, they usually talk about the things they learned in classrooms. The formulas memorized at midnight, the essays written minutes before class, the notes scribbled into the margins of packets we swore we would look back on someday. And don't get me wrong, those lessons mattered. But when I think about the person I became during these past four years, I do not first think about the grades that I got or the assignments I did. I think about the people sitting beside me because somewhere between first period and graduation, the people around me became my teachers, too. Marina, Victoria, Julian, and my best friend, Lara, I'm so sorry, taught me that soulmates are not always romantic. Sometimes they are simply the people who become part of who you are.