By Judith Kristen, AAP Columnist and Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Congratulations Howard M. Phifer eighth graders, now the Class of 2022!
On June 18, the heat index reached over 100 degrees that day, but not one student broke a sweat; their middle school days were over!
Now was the time to celebrate. Now was the time to look back on precious memories. And now was the time to also look forward to high school. To the new joys and happy memories on their way. The giant leap to becoming the Class of 2022.
At precisely 6:30 p.m., 372 students entered the Pennsauken High School Gymnasium to the sound of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by Phifer’s seventh grade orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Jack Franchi.
Rounds of applause, smiles, cheers, and joy boomed from every corner of the gym, from proud parents, grandparents, guardians, siblings, aunts and uncles, teachers, staff, friends and neighbors. No one could deny that these students and those who witnessed this uplifting occasion were experiencing one of the highlights of their lives.
The program worked like a charm, and the evening, from start to finish, was just what this Class of 2022 had hoped for.
After their procession into the gymnasium, the students and their audience stood for the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and the reciting of our Pledge of Allegiance, lead by Logan Endes, National Junior Honor Society president.
Immediately after that came the customary “welcome” by Youssef Rafah, NJHS member and Student Council representative, who congratulated his fellow classmates on their special accomplishment.
“We did it. We finished eighth grade,” said Youseef, to the roaring applause of his fellow students.
“We’re going to be freshman, leaving eighth grade behind for high school. It’s not going to be easy. We’re going to have more work and more responsibility than we’ve ever had. But I believe that we can accomplish this.”
Mr. Thomas. P. Honeyman, principal at Phifer Middle School, also gave a warm and well received welcome to the Class of 2022 and to all in attendance.
“Tonight is a special night and it’s extra special for the Class of 2022,” said Honeyman. “We start in September and ask the students to come up with a slogan to not only put on the back of t-shirts, but to aspire to live by. The winning quote was, ‘Knowledge will give you power, but character gives you respect.’ So many of them put these words into action.”
A long and prestigious list of awards followed, with over 60 students recognized. The presentation to those deserving of such an accolade was given by Mr. Ramon Sanchez, seventh grade assistant principal; Mr. John Doherty, eighth grade guidance counselor; and Mrs. Susan Galloza, eighth grade assistant principal, who offered some personal thoughts about this special group of students.
“I’ve know this group for two years. I can truly say that you’ve made me proud,” commented Galloza. “I expect to see great things from all of you.”
The crowd and the students cheered on the award winners and soon it was time to cheer on all of the class with the official introduction of students. All of the 362 graduates’ names were called out, and each student stood to thunderous applause from their fellow students, as well as those in attendance.
It was an easy segue for the presentation of the class by Mr. William Snyder, future coordinator of student services, who welcomed students to the Pennsauken High School family and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities available to them in the next four years.
“I want you to get involved. I’m here to personally invite you to play a sport, join the band, perform on stage, travel with our color guard, get involved in our clubs, get involved in service projects,” said Snyder. “You are the key to Pennsauken High School; you and your involvement.”
Board of Education member Michael Hurley conducted the formal acceptance of the class; he took the time to recognize various groups in attendance, school administration: his fellow board members, teachers, and staff. He especially acknowledged the many sacrifices made by parents and guardians to support their children their pursuit of receiving a quality education.
“I see a lot of smiling faces. Without you, [these students] would not be here,” explained Hurley.
This beautiful and unforgettable evening ended with the chorus singing, “Seasons of Love,” under the direction of Ms. Dyan Conklin. The orchestra then played for their former classmates, who were now alumni of Howard M. Phifer Middle School. The Class of 2022!
