Better Late Than Never Students Graduate from County Schools

RIO GRANDE — Graduation ceremonies for the Classes of 2010, delayed by February blizzards, meant most Cape May County high school seniors had to don caps and gowns and “walk” in a heat wave.
Ocean City High School
On June 18 in the afternoon, Ocean City High School was the first public high school in the county to line up its graduates, girls in white gowns, boys in red, at Carey Stadium under sunny skies.
Joseph Massaglia, valedictorian, who ranked first in his class, told his peers to seek out and pursue their passions.
Alexandra Dean, salutatorian, who ranked second in the class, urged an appreciation of music and art and to strive to attain happiness.
Massaglia, of Marmora plans to attend the University of Delaware and study chemistry.
Dean, of Ocean City, will head to Brown University to study political science and mathematics.
Ranked third in the class was Laurie Vogel of Ocean City, who will attend University of Pennsylvania to pursue studies in biomedical sciences.
Fourth ranked class member was Devon O’Brien of Seaville, who plans to attend Georgetown University to stud biology.
Fifth in the class was Katelyn McClung of Seaville, who plans to attend Stevens Institute of Technology for environmental engineering.
Wildwood High School
On June 22, Wildwood High School held its 104th commencement in the auditorium with its largest class in many years, 90 graduates.
Salutatorian Emily Tillotson of Wildwood Crest spoke of the special place in her mind that the school and her classmates would have. She likened the school to a home away from home. She plans to attend Penn State University.
Valedictorian Lauren Irwin of Wildwood Crest, fondly recalled stories by A.A. Milne of Winnie the Pooh while telling classmates not to fear stepping outside the comfort zone to forge ahead. She will attend Rider University to study mathematics and secondary education.
Amanda Barrett, ranked third in her class, of North Wildwood, plans to attend West Chester University to study sociology.
Lower Cape May Regional
On June 23, Lower Cape May Regional High School held commencement exercises for its 50th class of 236 members in extreme heat that made wearing black caps and gowns most uncomfortable.
Valedictorian Richard Furstein of North Cape May, who plans to attend Drexel University, spoke to his peers about the link between success and intelligence, but noted that degrees are not totally needed for a person to be considered a success.
Salutatorian Samuel Baxter of Cape May, who will attend Boston College, told his fellow graduates to seek their own paths into the future.
Ranked third in her class was Erica Addonizio of Villas who will attend University of Delaware.
Fourth ranked was Joseph Accardi of Cape May Beach who will attend New York University.
Fifth ranked Francesca DeMusz of Cape May will attend Pratt Institute.
Middle Township High School
On June 24, graduation for Middle Township High School’s 211 seniors, girls wearing white caps and gowns, boys in black attire, was held at Memorial Field under threatening skies and extreme heat, but the event was not shortened due to rain.
Valedictorian Andrew Moran, ranked first in his class, told the assembly the prolonged school year did not bother him, since it allowed he and classmates to stay together a little longer than was scheduled.
Salutatorian David Hand III opined about the amount of work that had been done in four years at the school by him and classmates.
The day marked the end of Principal Theodore Pugliese’s tenure in that job from the school from which he graduated. He recently accepted a post at Wildwood Catholic High School as Dean of Academics.
Moran, of Court House, plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study computer science.
Hand, ranked second, also of Court House, will attend The College of New Jersey to study engineering.
Third in class was Derick Logan of Court House who will attend St. Michael’s College to study journalism and mass communication.
Fourth ranked was Alison DiDonato of Dennis Township. She will attend American University to study international relations.
Fifth ranked Joel Novick of Court House will attend Franklin and Marshall College. He has yet to decide on a field of study.
Cape May County Technical High School
On June 25, graduation ceremonies were held at the school.
Valedictorian Benjamin Campbell of Woodbine, urged his classmates to aim to become the future leaders wherever they might be. He cited the innate potential of each student to fulfill the qualities of a good leader. He plans to attend Drexel University to study mechanical engineering.
Salutatorian Katrina Nicoletta of Middle Township, reminded her classmates to cling to their memories and experiences as they move ahead in life.
Scholarships were presented by Caryn Rixey, mother of Kevin Lamb who died in a December motor vehicle accident. He would have graduated with the Class of 2010.
Millville High School
Five Woodbine students graduated on Fri., June 25 from Millville Senior High School. They were among 482 who received diplomas at the 128th commencement held at Wheaton Field.
Wildwood Catholic High School
Wildwood Catholic High School held its commencement ceremonies on June 2 at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church. Among those in attendance was Bishop Joseph Galante of the Diocese of Camden. He asked that other join his spirit of gratitude that worked to ensure that the school would remain open.
The 65-member senior class heard Salutatorian Alexa Stefankiewicz of Cape May liken the graduates to a light that will burn ever brighter.
Valedictorian Frances Winans of Avalon reflected on the actions of many who rallied around the school, which had been targeted for closure by the Diocese of Camden.
Top-ranked Winans plans to attend Fordham University to pursue studies in special education.
Stefankiewicz will attend the College of Charleston to study pre-law.
Parts of this story were first published at capemaycountyherald.com
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com