By JAMIE BLACK
CAPE MAY — While the title “valedictorian” is an honor for any high school senior, it means just a little more to Deven Parker, Lindsay Vendetta, and Keely Weinberger.
These area valedictorians share a common bond that links them back to kindergarten. All three of these successful students began their educational careers at Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School here.
While the girls parted ways after eighth grade graduation to go to separate high schools, their elementary alma mater remained an influential and unifying force in their lives. As these girls prepare to move on to college, they had the opportunity to meet and reflect on their elementary school experience.
“We came from a unique school,” said Deven Parker, valedictorian of Wildwood Catholic High School. “We came from a class of only 18.”
“Everyone in the class was your friend,” said Keely Weinberger, valedictorian of Cape May Technical High School.
While all of the girls commented that the close-knit environment of their elementary school years made for a positive experience, each of them was able to translate these experiences into a larger high school environment.
When asked if it was difficult moving from that small, parochial environment to a large, pubic school Lindsey Vendetta, valedictorian of Lower Cape May Regional High School, was quick to answer. “My first day was definitely a big change; it was a big adjustment.”
Vendetta said lessons she learned in middle school helped her to overcome obstacles. She is confident those same lessons will help her as she prepares to go on to the University of South Carolina, a school with over 18,000 undergraduates.
Not only did the girls use their experiences at Our Lady Star of the Sea to reach personal success in high school, they also pulled from lessons learned to offer advice to their classmates during their graduation speeches.
Of all the points made during Keely Weinberger’s address, she said her point to ‘give and you shall receive’ was most-heavily influenced from her elementary education.
“There was a lot of love and giving and volunteer projects at Our Lady Star of the Sea,” said Weinberger. “We were asked to remember everyone’s situations and needs.”
Deven Parker’s speech also drew from lessons learned at Our Lady Star of the Sea. “It’s not how well you do, it’s who you are,” Parker said, explaining one of the key points of her speech.
“You can be successful in everything you do if you are using your talents to serve others.”
Our Lady Star of the Sea extended congratulations to its successful alumni. “We are so proud of the achievements of Deven, Keely, and Lindsay. They have worked hard and will continue to achieve greatness,” said Principal Joan Dollinger.
Though these students may have begun in the same way, their achievements will take them on very different paths.
Parker plans to study anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. Weinberger has received a full scholarship to attend Stockton College where she will major in environmental studies. Vendetta has decided to pack up and move south to pursue a career in dentistry at the University of South Carolina.
Jamie Black is a summer intern for The Herald. Contact Black at (609) 886-8600 Ext 27 or at: savedissian@cmcherald.com