001[Music] Good afternoon. Welcome to the graduation ceremony for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School class of 2025. My name is Lori Gambino and I am the proud principal of Eisenhower Middle School. To begin our ceremony, I'd like to welcome to the stage graduates Amaya De Jesus and Matthew Neesto along with members of the eighth grade flute ensemble under the direction of Mrs. Christine Feldman. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance and remain standing for the playing of the Star Spangle Banner. Attention salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Music] You may be seated. Good afternoon. I can't begin to express the incredible joy I feel as I stand before you.
002Today's ceremony is a triumphant conclusion to the three-year journey our class of 2025s have taken. And it is truly a gift to have a room full of people whose love and has nurtured our generals as they work toward the successful conclusion of their middle school years. This evening and this class is particularly special for me as I have had the great privilege of watching many of you grow from kindergarteners to the amazing young adults you are now. It is my pleasure to begin by welcoming our esteemed guests that graciously gave of their time this afternoon to join us in celebrating all of our generals and what they have accomplished and overcome in the last three years as generals and their last nine years as students in Freehold Township schools Mr. Daniel McDev assistant principal Mr.
003Greg Duranti counselor Mr. Neil Dixon, Superintendent Dr. Diane Brethauer, assistant superintendent, Miss Rebecca Montgomery, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Robert Dvita, Business Administrator. Members of the board of education, Mr. Michael Amaroso, board president, Miss Elellanena O. Sullivan, board vice president, Mrs. Ranata Brand, Mr. Todd Casey, Miss Emily Crosby, Mr. Neil Garulo, Mrs. Miss Michelle Lambert, Miss Carmela Spieler, Mr. Jeffrey Williams. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Christine Kley, director of educational services, Mrs. Jennifer Lawler, supervisor of educational services and intervention. Miss Rosemary King, supervisor of English language arts and social studies. Dr. Anne Curus, principal, Clifton T. Barlo Middle School. Miss Kimberly Layman, assistant principal, Clifton T. Barlo Middle School. Mr. Bradley Miloway, principal, C. Richard Applegate School. Miss Amy Ceruo, supervisor, C. Richard Applegate School. Miss Tracy Shaw, principal, Joseph J. Catina School. Miss Kathy Arman,
004principal, Marshall W. Ericson School. Miss Danielle Pereella, supervisor, Marshall W. Ericson School. Miss Tara Lechner, principal, West Freehold School. Mrs. Laura Cesleon, principal, Early Childhood Learning Center, and our distinguished guests, Mr. James Escalles, our incoming assistant principal. Mrs. Angela Juffy, Alpha Delta Kappa representative, Mrs. Tanya Larkin, our DD PTO president. Mrs. Michelle Short, DD PTO vice president, Mr. Matthew McDow, DD PTO treasurer, Mrs. Theres Garula, PACE vice president, Mr. Anthony Geratano, beloved former vice principal, and Miss Megan Coffee, beloved former counselor. Check out all of the guests who are here to celebrate you, my generals. At this time, I'd like to welcome to the podium graduate Mandy Guo, who will be delivering our first graduate address. Good evening everyone, teachers, parents, family, and most importantly my fellow graduates. Today we celebrate not only the end
005of something beautiful but the beginning of something extraordinary. It's easy to think of graduation as a finish line, but this is not our ending. It's a bridge to the next chapters of our lives. These past three years have held the most memorable moments for all of us. There were new best friends, hundreds on tests, and teachers we loved. But there were also broken friendships, grades that will never be repeated to our parents, and teachers he loved a little less. No matter if the things we did were worth celebrating or worth crying over, These small moments built up to shape who we are today. And if there's anything I've learned, it's that life is too short to waste time worrying about what others think. In middle school, you have 540 days to try and enjoy experiences
006that can never be recreated. So take advantage of your time. Eisenhower gave us all the opportunities to thrive and grow. Maybe you didn't always take these opportunities when they were handed to you. Maybe you love to sing and act, but you didn't do the play because you were scared. fun of your voice. Or maybe you wanted to join the academic team, but you didn't want to be considered a nerd. I hope DDT allowed you all to step out of your comfort zone for the first time and join one of the bazillions of clubs here. Because as an eighth grader, looking back at my three years here, I think about all the opportunities I missed, the activities that interested me, but then I backed out because I didn't want to be judged or I was afraid.
007Moving forward, I will go through the next few years braver, and I hope you will be, too. I gratefully reflect back on the sports and clubs I did participate in because there's always something for everyone. From non-cut sports such as cross country to basketball, which only has 15 players on the team, this school ensured that everyone has a place and is a part of something bigger. Yet, this is only possible because of the amazing people behind the scenes. I would like to thank Mr. Dixon, Dr. Brethar, Miss Mrs. Gambino, the board of ed, teachers, and faculty members for giving the students of DDE all these incredible opportunities and supporting each and every one of us everything we pursue. And thanks to these incredible people, we haven't just learned academically. We've learned life lessons that will
008stay with us forever. We've learned about hard work and determination, whether it was cramming for a test the night before or pulling through on a group project when no one else did their part. We've learned that friendships can be unexpected and unpredictable, but real ones stay with you through anything and everything. We've learned that failure isn't the end of the world. Sometimes it's a push we need to do better. But beyond the lessons we've learned in the classroom, we've discovered something even more important, ourselves. This period of our lives is a time of change, confusion, and growth. We walked into these halls three years ago unsure of who we were and what we wanted to write for ourselves. Now we walk out of this school with something we want to achieve, something we want to
009work for. Because the frail, scared of the world sixth graders are nowhere to be seen anymore. Only confident, brave high schoolers, wow, that sounded weird to say, ready for the next leap in our lives. We're stepping into a new world, one full of possibilities, challenges, and opportunities. It will come with its own moments of joy and struggle, new friendships and lessons to learn. And in four years, we'll be celebrating the end of another long, tiring, but completely worth the journey. Things will get overwhelming, and that's life. Eisenhower has taught us the most important life lesson. We can handle it. So, as we leave behind this chapter and begin the next, let's carry these lessons with us. Let's take risks, be strong enough to face failure, and be confident enough to be ourselves. And let's push
010beyond our limits, knowing that we are capable of amazing things. Congratulations, class of 2025. Our journey is just beginning. Thank you, Mandy. It is my great pleasure to welcome members of the Eisenhower staff to the podium to announce this year's award recipients. Each year, our students distinguish themselves in the area of language arts are selected to receive awards. Our language arts award is named for two people. Dr. Katherine M. Snder, our former superintendent of schools, and AW Nord's language arts award, a former Eisenhower teacher. The criteria for this award is as follows. These students exhibited extraordinary passion for reading and writing both within and outside the classroom. They consistently earned A's in language arts. The winners continually challenge themselves in their independent reading selections and their personal writing. This year's award recipients are Lily Spiro,
011Juliana Tay, Carlo Mietta, and Adele. Come on up. Each year, the mathematics award is given to students who have demonstrated excellence in mathematics by consistently exhibiting a thorough understanding of an interest in mathematics. Each award recipient is able to thoroughly review and reflect upon his or her work and methods, thereby ensuring the greatest level of success. This year's award recipients are Jet Cha, Mandy Guo, Mia Ratner, and Lo Romeo Dentillo. The Marshall W. Ericson Award for Social Studies is named for the first and longstanding superintendent of the Freehold Township Schools. Today, in his honor, the school on Elton Adelfia Road bears his name. Each recipient of this award has demonstrated excellence in his or her ability to understand the importance of social studies and to be an excellent citizen of Eisenhower School. This year's award
012recipients are Ella Cuchiara and Giana Papwood. The science award is given to students who have exhibited three years of excellent work in the field of science. These students have consistently achieved high levels of academic performance. They have participated in activities related to the subject. They have acted as leaders in their classroom and they have expressed desire to pursue additional studies in the field of science. This year's award recipients are Grace Fariki and Sheridan Hustle. The Patricia O'Neal Spanish Award. The Spanish Award is named in honor of Mrs. Patricia O'Neal, who was a beloved Spanish teacher for many years here at Eisenhower Middle School. Mrs. O'Neal was many things to many people, but most of all, she was a person who truly lived her life with arms wide open. The student receiving this award exhibited the
013following characteristics. A passion for learning the Spanish language, highly developed conversational skills, excellent participation during class, a willingness to help others. This year's award recipient is Jacqueline Russo. The Eisenhower Middle School has established the Kevin Clawson Fine and Performing Arts Award in honor of our Eisenhower classmate Kevin Clawson. This award is given to students who embody personal expression through the arts and have shown a dedication to fine art, vocal, andor instrumental music. The award recipients possess artistic qualities. Each is forward thinking, enthusiastic, and has a creative spirit. This year's award recipients are Olivia Laauo, Evan Viennes, Adrien Depresca, Juliana Grande, Brady Clemenco, and Alexa Leie. The Graham Preston Sportsmanship Award is given each year to the student or students who most exhibit the characteristics and values we ascribe to good sports persons. It is named
014in honor of our classmate Graham Preston who served as a role model on and off the field. These students are always respectful, always willing to lend a hand to students and staff and embody the positive character traits that we find in people who are role models for how to act in an environment where your personal goals and objectives are not as important as those of the team. This year's award recipients are Olivia Hoslocker and Roco Randazzo. The Thomas M. Gayy Outstanding Achievement Award is given to students who have demonstrated outstanding performance in academics, effort, overall attitude, personal growth, and leadership. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge the hard work of students, emphasize the value of education, and encourage the pursuit of future educational goals. The students who received this award embody characteristics of
015perseverance, hard work, and strong academic goals. In addition to receiving a plaque, each recipient of the Tom Gay Award will receive a check for $100. And this year's award recipients are Isabella Carabalo and John Mucci. The Pace Academic Achievement Award honors an eighth grade student in self-contained studying who has demonstrated remarkable determination and perseverance in pursuit of their academic goals. Through hard work and dedication, this student has overcome challenges and shown continuous growth. Their efforts are recognized with pride and admiration. We all they have accomplished on their journey. This year's award recipient is Joseph Gerula. The Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization of women educators who are dedicated to educational excellence, altruism, and worldwide understanding. The citizenship award is given to students who have demonstrated good citizenship toward peers, faculty, and staff and
016the community through kindness, enthusiasm, caring, and altruism. In addition to a plaque, the recipients of this award receive a $50 check. The this year's award recipients are Anastasia Lutkins and Emily Manucci. The principal's award is named in honor of Mrs. Regina Schulman, who was a social studies teacher at Eisenhower School for many years. Each recipient of this award is not only an excellent student, but also shares a love for learning, an unselfish and giving spirit, and always looks to help others in need. This year's award recipients are Stella Grace Brown and Adele. And please join me in another round of applause congratulating all of our deserving award recipients. At this time, please join me in welcoming graduate Adrienne Depresca to the podium to deliver our next graduate address family. What defines it? Is it your
017blood relatives or the people you love? Could it be a person sitting right next to you or someone all the way across the world? The dictionary definition describes family as a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit. However, family is more of a feeling rather than something that can be described by just a definition. Family is not always your kin. It's the people you grow with. It's the people who recognize your flaws and stay anyway. The people who raise you up when you've forgotten how to stand. To me, your family are the ones who make you feel like you're home, even when you're far from it. They are the ones who see the spark in you when you're blinded by the smoke. I have not been in this
018school for a long time. But in the few months I've been here, I felt something that I hadn't known in a while. Belonging. I came here holding my past judgement. the expectation that people would never treat me nicely. But instead of hate, I was met with kindness. This school is not just textbooks and tests. This school is family. The opportunities, the acceptance, and the freedom to just be is astonishing to me. We have an abundance of different spaces where everyone can feel belonging and the freedom to be yourself. There are various clubs that provide creative outlets for music and art. The sport teams that create environments where you can learn to win and lose together and so many other spaces where people can thrive and have a place. Even our houses is Aabindi, Anraa and
019Nucamorei provide a space to compete yet also work together to make this school a better environment. This school provides an amazing opportunity to feel part of a team. Every classroom in this school is small but important. There's a place for everyone here. This family at DD has reminded me that despite all the hate and negativity in the world, there are so many amazing people. I never knew a place like this existed, where people can do what makes them happy and where they're nice to one another. I was so used to hate that I forgot what it felt like to be loved by the people around me. Joining the school was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I didn't just find classmates, I found family. I didn't think I would make it
020to the end of middle school, but I did because this school taught me how to live. People who've helped me found myself are my family. I didn't just find classmates and I found family. People who helped me find myself. We've grown, fought, laughed, cried, and stumbled together. We've seen each other through the worst points and the best points and still showed up for each other. Anyway, I would like to thank all the staff who have helped us grow. From the custodians to the home room teachers, thank you fora taking care of us. Thank you to all who stepped up to help facilitate our clubs. Thank you to the teachers who held our hands along the way. Thank you to the child study team and the guidance counselors for lifting us up in our darkest moments.
021Thank you to the bus drivers who bring us here every day. Thank you to the nurses who heal us when we're down. Thank you to the aids who help those in need. Thank you to our office staff who help us communicate during the chaos. Thank you to the substitutes who fill in when we need it the most. Thank you to the principal and the vice principal for helping us with what everyone needs. But most importantly, thank you to the entire staff for trying and staying with us no matter what. To my peers, each and every one of you is so much love inside of you. Not only that, but potential. The overwhelming amount of talent in this school is unfathomable. So with this coming chapter of our new lives, we must remember what we learned
022here. We must carry this family with us. The lessons we've learned not only from classes, but from our experiences. From the loud celebrations, the quiet moments, we have learned crucial life lessons. Let us carry the love that we were given here and spread it into world that needs it. Because no matter where we go, this is our first step to finding ourselves and sharing the best parts with the world around us. Thank you. Thank you, Adrian. At this time, I'd like to invite members of Stardust 25 to the stage to perform I see Stars from Mean Girls, directed by Miss Holly Van Albanesey's. I [Music] You are so rare. You are so I see you. [Music] Shine away. [Music] You are so beautiful. It's beautiful. We are so it's done. Thank you, Stardust. At this
023time, please join me in welcoming graduate Deina Greywall to the podium to deliver our final graduate address. 3 years, 36 months, 1,095 days, 26,280 hours. These numbers represent the time that you and I have spent growing and changing in this school. This afternoon, while I speak to you, we will still be changing because change is constant and nothing will stop it. And I know that sounds scary. So to make it easier, I will take you through a story. Some of us started out timid and shy and grew into being brave and courageous. Some of us started thinking that we had nothing and realized that we had plenty. Every one of us who is gathered here today has gone through a number of changes through the three years spent here at Eisenhower Middle School. It's hard
024to believe that after all this time, we are going to go our separate ways. I know we're all going to do amazing things. Winnie the Pooh once said, "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." This quote applies to every graduate sitting in front of me today. It is in your control to be brave, strong, and smart. However, I am truly confident that we will be able to be braver, stronger, and smarter than we were on page one of our story. To show you all the true feelings of these three years, I'm going to walk you through my middle school experience. Starting with chapter 1, walking through the sixth grade hallway on my first day. Looking back, I remember the air felt different. I felt different. If the
025person I'm now and the person I was then bumped into each other on the street, we would be unrecognizable. The biggest thing I was afraid of was not being able to open up my locker. It wasn't being late to class, not scary older kids, not getting lost. It was opening my locker. I started the year with the same friends I had in elementary school. It's insane how much has changed in that time because now I have a whole new group of friends. I never thought that I would have met some of the people I met that year, but thank goodness I did. Because friends are what got me through it all. All of the bad grades, the mean girls, the drama, the relationships. It was the best that I had a shoulder to lay my
026head on. It was especially important that I had help from friends this year because this year was when my parents got in a car accident. I know we have all experienced scary things like that. And when you're in a spot where you can't change the situation, it's best to lay down your head and share your feelings with a companion. To summarize this chapter of the story, my friends were like elevators to other floors. They lifted me up when I couldn't do it myself. Chapter 2, seventh grade. If I recall correctly, seventh grade was when I really felt like middle school had started. The workload was heavier, my classes were challenging, and I had fewer shoulders to lay my head on, which is what made it the hardest. I drifted away from my old friend group
027and found myself focusing more on my grades. Through this year, I had found friends who liked the change girl I had become and were not wishing I was still the girl I used to be. The thing that got me through this year was the teachers. I had some of the best teachers in seventh grade and I couldn't be more grateful. All of my teachers took the time and were patient with me to make sure I could succeed. That time and patience helped me more than I could have imagined. That is why the staff and teachers are the main part of chapter 2 of my story. Chapter 3, the final part, 8th grade. Going into eighth grade, I refused to even think about high school or graduating because it scared me to think I would have
028to leave all the people I had known for years. I knew that if I wanted to something great, then I would have to work hard. That is why the main part of the finale of my story is hard work. There were many ways that we have all been committed this year. For example, 18 other kids and I worked hard all year round in Back in Black for the winter and spring show. I know that everyone in the band worked hard for their performances. I also know that every general sports team worked hard at practice and showed it off during games, like how the boys basketball team won the championship this year. But where we have all worked the hard preparing for high school, applying to schools, studying for placement tests, and preparing for interviews or
029auditions. All of these things are proof of hard work and dedication. For me, I studied for the tests and kept my grades up year round. In the end, all the hours and hours of studying, the stress of things going wrong, the time that felt like light years waiting to see if I got accepted or not, it had all worked out because now we are all ready for the next step in our lives. We now all ready to meet new people, to set bigger goals, and to solve bigger problems. I hope that after today, you will all prepare for chapters four to seven of your story, high school. And I can't wait to see what you all do with your bravery, your strength, and your smarts. I know it's sad leaving all of this behind, but
030it's important to look to the future. As one of my favorite characters from his own story, Ratatouille, once said, "If you focus on what you left behind, you will never see what lies ahead." Thank you guys for all the memories. Have fun with the new ones you're going to make. Show the world who you are and don't be let don't be afraid to let it change you because it already has. Thank you, Deina. Class of 2025, don't tell anyone, but your class holds an extra special place in my heart. Not only are you lucky number 13, the 13th class I've had the pleasure to watch grow and mature into amazing young men and women over your three years at Eisenhower, but I have been especially lucky to know many of you since kindergarten, watching you
031light up stages, excel on sports fields, and even walking side by side with you at childhood cancer awareness events. This privilege makes my last Eisenhower graduation particularly poant. And as a good principal does. As I reflect on your time as a general, I think not only about the curriculum we ensure you master in classes like language arts and math, Spanish and health, but I also reflect on what it takes to be successful in life and how we did supporting your growth in those areas. At each back to school night, I show your parents a list of the top skills employers are looking for traits of highly successful people. That list doesn't include mastery of exponents, ability to determine theme, or conjugating verbs, although those are important skills. That list includes things like resilience, mental toughness,
032teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. So, as we join together to celebrate what you've achieved, I'd like to you to imagine those critical skills of highly successful people frame through the lens of a game of baseball. You're the player. Life is the game. And middle school, that was just the early innings. You've had strikeouts and home runs, good days and tough ones. You've learned how to step up to the plate, how to swing, and how to run. But most importantly, during your time at Eisenhower, you started building the tools that will carry you into the next innings and beyond. And I want to talk about a few of the tools I think are most important for you as you play the game of life. Perseverance is your swing. In baseball, no one hits a home
033run every time. In fact, even the best players strike out a lot. John Carlos Stanton, well-known Yankee hitter who was an integral part of the World Series run last year, actually has quite a number of strikeouts in his career. 1,963 strikeouts to be exact. But he didn't give up after those strikeouts. He stepped back into the box every single time. That is perseverance. JC Ascara spent five years in the minor league baseball system before being released in 22. He was working as an Uber driver and a substitute teacher this spring when he got his big break and found himself on the New York Yankees 2025 opening day roster. Perseverance. Escara could have tossed in the towel when he got cut in 2022. He could have given up on his major league dream. But he persevered
034and he never gave up. Perseverance is what helps you study for the test you didn't pass the first time. Perseverance is what gets you to try again after a tough day. Perseverance. You keep swinging even when the pitches get harder. Although he isn't a baseball player, Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady gave a speech last year that included one of the most important sentiments I believe a young person can take to heart. He said, "To be successful at anything, the truth is you don't have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren't. Consistent, determined, and willing to work for it. Resilience is how you play defense. Sometimes life throws curve balls. You miss, you fall behind, you drop the ball. Baseball is one of the craziest sports because a great hitter
035only succeeds three out of every 10 times. That means a player fails 70% of the time. Failure isn't the end. It's a part of the journey. It's important to have a short memory. And if you have to fail, fail forward. Use that failure as a learning opportunity. I missed that line drive because I wasn't ready on the pitch. Next time a line drive comes my way, I will prep step and have my glove ready. Michael Jordan, who was a baseball player for a short time, but obviously best known for his basketball career, he did not make the varsity basketball team his sophomore year of high school. Did he give up? decide he wasn't destined to be a basketball player? Absolutely not. He refused to allow that disappointment to dictate the trajectory of his life. He
036was resilient. He worked even harder so that he would be prepared for the next opportunity. Did you know that when you practice resilience, your you strengthen the preffrontal cortex area of your brain which helps regulate emotion and you also calm your amagdala which triggers fear and anxiety. Whether it's a bad grade, a conflict with friend or trying something new that doesn't go as planned. Learning to fail forward is key. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, life does not give you participation trophies. There will be disappointments, things you wanted that you didn't get, curveballs that you didn't anticipate. In baseball, like in life, you cannot control every pitch, but you can control how you respond. Empathy is your teamwork. You're not alone out there. Whether you're in the dugout, on the field, or in the classroom, you are part of
037a team. Empathy is cheering for others even when you're not the one scoring the run. It's picking someone up when they've had a bad inning. It's understanding that we all play better when we support each other. Surround yourself with people who celebrate your success as if it was your own. Science shows that individuals who practice empathy have stronger interpersonal relationships. It allows you to more effectively navigate conflict because you're better able to understand those with whom you are experiencing conflict. In fact, there is also research that shows that practicing empathy is one of the most important qualities of an effective leader. Think of a time when you've been a part of a great team. I'm willing to bet that you had teammates or castmates or peers who cheered you on, who celebrated your successes, who
038picked you up when you fell. Instead of pointing out your flaws or laughing at your misfortune, they put themselves in your shoes and understood that you needed a shoulder, a defender, a listening ear. Those shows of empathy make all the difference. And finally, good decision making is your game sense. In baseball, every play requires a choice. Swing or wait, stay or steal. In life, it's the same. You'll face moments when you've had to decide what's right, what's smart, what's kind. Good decision making doesn't mean you always get it perfect. It means you pause, you think, and you learn from every play, win or lose. Good decision making, show me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are. Do you surround yourself with peers who make good decisions, who possess solid values,
039who dream big and work hard to achieve it? One of the biggest skills you begin to develop in your middle school years and then continue to hone in high school is good decision making. I came upon a quote recently that resonated with me. People do not decide their futures. They decide their habits. And their habits decide their futures. Be thoughtful about reaching for that extra base. Use your knowledge of the game to throw the pitch for strike three. I encourage you to decide on a short memory. Decide on failing forward. Decide on resilience. Class of 2025, as you leave middle school, you're not finishing the game. You're just moving to the next inning. High school will bring new challenges, new chances, and new teammates. And there will be moments you strike out. And that's okay.
040Just remember, keep swinging, keep learning, keep showing up for your team, and keep making choices that move you forward. Because in the game of life, it's not about hitting a grand slam every time. It's about playing with heart, learning from every pitch, and running the bases with courage. Congratulations. You've made it to the next inning and you are ready for it. It is my great pleasure at this time to introduce our superintendent of schools, Mr. Neil Dixie. Good evening. It's a privilege for me to be provided time to address the graduating class of 2025. Some of you may be familiar with the nonprofit Live Like a Unicorn based in Freel Township in memory of Olivia Lipniki. Liv passed away after valiantly battling childhood cancer when she was a third grade student at Katina. Tonight, she
041should have been graduating 8th grade alongside her Eisenhower peers. in her memory. My address this evening is titled Lessons Learned from a Forever 8-year-old who loved unicorns and includes lessons for our graduating eighth grade students based upon how Liv chose to live her life. First, dance like nobody's watching. Liv definitely loved to dance and did so without worrying about being judged by others. However, this expression means more than the literal meaning. As you leave middle school, be genuine. Be your genuine, authenticelves. Develop your individual interests and don't be held back by how others may perceive you. You may find that you have an interest or skill in an area other than the friend in your friend group. It may be a sport, arts or music, or a particular subject or level of classes. Take the
042risk and your true friends will support you. In simplest terms, as I tell my own children, you do you. Spread a little sparkle wherever you go. Live forth joy wherever she went with her happy, carefree spirit. Mark Twain said, "To get the full value of joy, you must find someone to divide it with." He believed you can contribute to or enhance another's joy. Make the room you walk into, the community, and the world a better place simply because you're in it by bringing joy to others lives. You have the unique power to make someone's day better. Everyone is fighting a battle you may not know about. So, treat others with respect and kindness. Next, be a fighter. Liv fought after a cancer diagnosis as she endured chemo, radiation, and clinical trials. She also started the
043Live Like a Unicorn Foundation to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. I encourage you to apply this attribute in your life and develop the fight within you. Whether you're fighting for a cause you support, an injustice you or someone else has experienced, or for your own health or well-being, don't give up. Liv's message was be the good. As you move on from eighth grade, remember the lessons that Liv taught us and always strive to be the good. I would be remiss if I didn't spend a few minutes talking about the importance of choices. Each day, we are faced with fairly easy choices such as what to eat for lunch or what outfit to wear to school. As you get older, the choices with which you were presented become much more complex. If you make the
044wrong choice, it can have negative consequences. One of those choices is those you associate with. Choose your friends carefully as you may be defined by those who surround you. Choose friends who support you, who are there for you in good times and bad, and those who reflect your values. Commit to choosing to follow a path that is best for you. Whether it's college, trade school, the workforce, or the military, you must choose to dedicate time to studying, maintaining good grades, staying curious, and being committed. a lifetime of learning. Always take your time, consider your options carefully, and make the best choice for you. Mr. Amaroso and board of education members, with the powers vested in me by the state of New Jersey, I hereby confirm the recommendation of Mrs. Gambino, principal of the Dwight D.
045Eisenhower Middle School that the students presented to you this afternoon have fulfilled the requirement of the New Jersey learning standards according to New Jersey statute and administrative code and are eligible for graduation from the Freel Township School District. I am proud to present to you Dwight the Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School class of 2025. Okay, you may be seated. Um, come on up, guys. And while the graduates are approaching the stage, um, honored guests, I hope that your graduate um, did his or her homework and had a little talk with you about the expectations at graduation, which are that every person in this room wants to hear his or her special graduates name. And the only way that can do that and it's a really tough thing to ask of you is to hold our
046applause until the end because we want to make sure everyone hears their name clearly and the faster we get through all the names the faster you can get to your celebration after. So without further ado I'm going to invite our staff members to the stage to begin the reading the names of the graduates. Edward Abramoff, Michael Ad, Wim Auar, Stacy Selene Alice, Aiden Ali, Jake Franco, Ambrosia, Ava Grace, Andrini, Mason Andrew Assadi, Skyler Elizabeth Atinson, Jacob Aesh, Daniel A. Bartra, Grace Patricia Barwicki, Julia A. Bernard, Roco Joseph Bardi, Evan Joseph Viennz, Aaliyah Renee Billingsley, Thomas Anthony Bulada, Finn Michael Blair, FA A Bosker Kira break Scott Breath Stella Grace Beth Brown Chase Beru Colin Joseph Berlu Francesco Victor Capone Isabella Caribelloo, Harper Grace Carissimo, Arda Celich, Ella Celich, Joseph Jet, Joseph Chala, Nia Chen, Sasha
047Chabra, Dominic Jeffrey Chu, Brady Elizabeth Flamco, Quinn Belle Convey, Briana Bernardet Cord, Christian James Cortali, Stephanie Cortez, Mexitla, Natalia Cortez, Perez, Brendan Cosgrove, Akai Krooms, Melanie Kylie Cruz, Ella Marie Cooer, Christopher Paul Damrosio, Kian Dancel, Gabriella Dejan, Amaya Lee De Jesus, Adrien Depresca, Kaylee Ava Ehart, Yasin Elijah Mark Evans, sole Belle Evans, Xavier Mars Folks, Lucas Galdino, Joelle Ganon, Kenneth Ray Gillins Jr. Maline Amory Gomez Chloe Justice Bourne Graham Juliana Maria Grandandy Deavina Core Greywall Joseph C. Gerula Jr. Cooper Guino Mandy Guo Leila Isabella Guzman Rashad D Hagen Aiden Kabir Hannif, Olivia Paige Hoslocker, Ryan Thomas Hoslocker, Nora Islam Herro, Jeremy Isaac Hernandez, Adeline McKinley Hill, Jackson William Hill, Catherine Grace Hillman, Alexandra Karen Holst, Richard Harold Holst, Giana Marie Hopwood, Sheridan Jade Huster, Aiden Hughes, Timothy Y J. Pearler Austin Patrick Indki Kaye M.
048Enzelberg Dominic Jamie Thiago Jardine Joel Inz Judson Jager Singh Kakar Vanessa Mary Kabin Joselyn Rain Carson John Grayson Clip Veronica Corb Vera Koval Audrean Michael Kirki, Olivia Melanie Laauo, Alex Priya Lawrence, Sarah Adriana Lee, Alexa Noel Ley, Giovani Kansas, Kayla Rose Lloyd Salvatore Lombardi IVth Melissa Lopez Ailla Joy Dela Lucas Anastasia Bell Lkins, Sophia Grace Lions, Kylie Addison McDougall, Carlo Thomas Mietta, Luke Manfredonia, Ryan J. Manakis, Connor Manley, McKenzie Bartlett Marquez, Matthew Kenneth Martin, Michaela Marti, Adriana Maria Mascolo, Kayla A Nicole Mabis, Pierce Ivan Maize, Olivia Grace McGonagal, Kan Tyreek McMillan Jr. Brody A. Malone, Emily J. A Minutucci John A. Manucci Dwayne J. Mitchell, Avery Grace Malfeta, Liam Connor Morrison, Adele Naomi Moy, Matthew Nestero, Morgan Gabriella No, Aubrey May O' Conor Kyle Luke Oerson Aiden David Pella Matthew Perry Lucy Anne Petraino Ryan
049Thomas Petraola, Liam Plato, Karina Laura Podin, Ava Ray Chrisilco, Leslie Charlene Casada, Donovan Romero Cruz, Roco Antonio Randazzo, Mia Avery Ratner, Andrew Michael Riley, Luca Joseph Reign, Allison Rodriguez, Antonio Romeo D Santillo, Lo John Romeo Dantillo, Maggie McKenny Romero, Sophia Ia Loren Rosario, Braden Jacob Rosen, Mia Isabella Ruez, Evan Rubble, Kevlani Annayia Rucker, Jacqueline Rose Russo, Ivana Marie Minelo, Maria Sajad, Addison Fernanda Sophia Santos, Christian B. Serus, Luke M. Scappa, Brandon Schneider, Christian Joseph Slafani, Zachary Shephard, Vivana Amelia Shepard, Nate Sheridan, Dylan Matthew Short Emma Rose Sigman, Maya Wilson Silverman, William Joseph Charles Sarjasi III, Sean Dne Svang, Lily Spiro, Adena Rose Steinhauser, Muhammad Sububan, Christopher Ryan Sullivan, Rael Sultan, Nicholas C. Tamasco, Elena Marie Teruli, Sha J. Tassy, Juliana Mary Tay, Ashley Jordan Tedman, Elias Tabone, Lily Caroline Totora, Sophia Hope Trangola, Pamela, Brandon
050Smith, Valenuela, Eva Bella Vanpelt, Sarah Elizabeth Bang, Ulana Janelle Velasco Bravo Vincent A. Ventura Grace Catherine Vote Julia L. Ranowitz Ryder Nicholas West Bridget Grace Williams Kyrie N. Williams, Anastasia Mana Sjac, Ivanka Mia Cherova, Samuel Allen Ziper, Tobias Britt Ziper, Before we conclude the ceremony, I want to thank take a minute to thank all of the adults in this room for the support and guidance you provided to the members of the class of 2025. It truly does take a village. I would also like to thank the Eisenhower staff members whose hard work made this ceremony possible. In particular, my secretary, Mrs. Linda Dacy, whose masterful attention to detail and incredible dedication allowed this ceremony to be the success it is. At this time, class of 2025, you may rise and you will recess out. Guests,
051I ask that you remain seated until our graduates are able to exit the auditorium. Go ahead. Go ahead, graduates. Go ahead out.