All Around Pennsauken

By Judith Kristen, AAP Columnist

A scheduled outdoor promotion ceremony quickly became an indoor event for Howard M. Phifer’s eighth grade graduation class. And although the weather appeared to dampen the evening, it certainly didn’t even come close to dampening the spirits of the approximately 350 students completely ready to move on to high school and start some serious plans for their future.

Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, cousins, friends, and neighbors joined in the celebration with Board of Education staff and the Phifer’s faculty. The energy was joyous, uplifting, and fun.

The soon-to-be graduates entered the Pennsauken High School gymnasium to the June classic, “Pomp and Circumstance,” promptly followed by “The Star Spangled Banner,” both under the direction of Mr. Jack Franchi.

The Pledge of Allegiance was initiated by Yazmin Santana, vice president of the National Junior Honor Society, followed by a lovely welcome to all in attendance by Honor Society Representative, Rebecca Stallard.

Principal Thomas P. Honeyman’s greeting to the Class of 2016 was well received, and his voice echoed the sentiments of all there that night: a wish for these students to foster their passion, to live a life of dignity and respect, and to not only rise up themselves, but encourage and help others to do so as well.

The presentation list of awards that followed was long and honorable.

Mrs. Dana Gery, assistant principal, Ms. Melisa Solivan, eighth grade counselor, and Mrs. Susan Galloza, seventh grade assistant principal, all received an emotional greeting as students accepted their awards. Then, to a huge round of applause, came the introduction/reading of all of the names of the Phifer Middle School’s Class of 2016.

The presentation of the class and acceptance of the class was then made official by Mr. Monroe Logan, interim superintendent, and Dr. Allyson Meloni, Board of Education vice president.

The most touching and perfect ending to the evening came when Phifer’s chorus, directed by Dyan Conklin, sang a song for all times: “Imagine,” written by John Lennon. Many in the crowd sang along with the chorus and it was a sweet and meaningful end to a very lovely evening.

And then, it was over; and 350 students, who were once eighth graders at Howard M. Phifer Middle School, were now budding high school students.

So from all of us here in your home town, we say to you: may your dreams take you to the corners of your brightest smiles, to the highest of all your hopes, to the crystal clear windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.

Congratulations once again to The Howard M. Phifer Middle School’s Class of 2016!