By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
At the end of a full, in-person school year that immediately followed the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsauken School District gathered with a significantly large crowd of family and friends to celebrate those students achieving an important milestone in their academic lives: the graduation of the Class of 2022.
On the evening of June 16, Pennsauken High School held a commencement ceremony at The Liacouras Center at Temple University, the first time since 2019 that an entire graduating class from PHS was recognized all together during a single event. Principal Rich Bonkowski addressed the soon-to-be graduates, with whom he shared many memorable and life-changing moments.
“Together we began your high school journey in the fall of 2018, you as freshman, and me as principal. We all had a rollercoaster of a ride over the last four years, and we made it through everything that was thrown at us.
“Tonight ends your high school career. And before you turn that page, please remember to thank all those who helped get you here. Before I turn the page on the Class of 2022, I would like to thank teachers, counselors, and administration for guiding, helping, and mentoring students of this class. I would like to thank all the parents and guardians who helped guide their children through their high school years. This celebration is as much yours as it is for the students. And on behalf of the administrators and staff of Pennsauken High School, I would also like to thank the Board of Education and Dr. Tarchichi, for everything they have done for the Class of 2022.
“Tomorrow begins a new chapter of your life. Many of you are going to college, trade school, the military, or the working world. You will face adversity. You will struggle. Keep going. Don’t give up.”
Pennsauken Board of Education President Nick Perry officially accepted the 60th class to graduate from Pennsauken High School. During his remarks, Mr. Perry spoke of the resiliency of the Class of 2022.
“You have been leaders. Who in the world ever heard of remote learning? But you got through remote learning. You got through in-person learning,” said Perry. “You are now ‘Marine tough’ as they say in the business. So, there’s very little, in my opinion, that you cannot accomplish.”
Students also received poignant remarks from some of their classmates. Salutatorian Andrew Nguyen spoke about the bittersweet aspect of graduating from high school.
“You’re leaving a place you’ve known for so long and entering a completely new one. And who knows what’s going to happen? But everything happens for a reason; and no matter what obstacles we may face, we’ll get through it,” said Nguyen.
Valedictorian Victoria Van spoke about the important lessons the newest graduates of Pennsauken High School have learned.
“Over the last four years at Pennsauken High School, we have learned a lot. And all of this knowledge will no doubt be valuable as we go forward in life. But the I think the most important thing we’ve learned is perseverance,” sad Van. “Soon we’ll be signing each other’s yearbooks and saying goodbye. There will be hugs and tears and we’ll do our best to stay in touch. But we’ll be forging our own paths and that makes all the difference.”
That spirit of determination was echoed by Youssef Rafeh, president of the Class of 2022.
“If there’s one word I could use to describe this class, it would be ‘grit.’ You all have that drive to persevere and work towards what you want. If isolation and a global pandemic isn’t going to stop me, I can’t imagine what will.”
The shining moment of the celebration was the culmination of four years of challenges and accomplishments: the awarding of diplomas to the Class of 2022. Proud family members and classmates cheered on the students, as they each basked in this special moment. Two Pennsauken Board of Education members were particularly excited to see their relatives graduate. Lisa Eckel’s grandson, Anthony Howard, and Samer Jarbou-Rafeh’s cousin, Youssef Raeh, both walked in the ceremony.
“The tradition of moving the tassel to the left after graduating is symbolic of crossing over from high school to another chapter of your life,” said Principal Bonkowski. “At this time, I ask the Class of 2022, as graduates of Pennsauken High School, to now lift [their tassels] from the right to the left. Ladies and gentlemen: the Class of 2022!”
As the newest alumni of Pennsauken High School processed out, they were greeted by loving family and best friends, embracing with tears of joy, ready to continue the celebration of their special day.
Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
