Hillsborough High Graduates 600 Who 'Killed It'

When the 600 members of Hillsborough High School's Class of 2013 entered the school as freshmen, Principal Karen Bingert said the students middle school teachers had high praise for them.

She was initially unsure, she told the students at Thursday's commencement, but when the class as sophomores "took command of Spirit Night as no class of underclassmen had ever done before," she became a believer.

"You did not live up to what your middle school teachers said—you killed it," Bingert said.

She added it was fitting the class could be last to graduate at Hillsborough—the school may move graduation to Trenton's Sun Bank Arena, beginning with the Class of 2014.

In addition to Bingert's address, the students heard from Class President Ezra Baeli-Wang, who noted, "This is one of those moments you wait your whoel life for."

Salutatorian Joy Zou offered her classmates some bits of wisdom she'd learned in high school, including to never leave anything on a Bunsen burner, close the screen door, and "Most of all, remember to be kind because a little bit of kindness goes a long way."

Her comments were echoed by Superintendent Jorden Schiff, who offered a parent's perspective on the day, asking "Where did the time go?"

He also told the students he had "a final assignment" for them, telling them to take care of themselves, set goals and find their passions, loves and peace—and to "be good to others."

"I'll let you decide on the due date," he said.

Class Valedictorian Marielle Brady encouraged the students to set their own goals and work towards them.

"Today is the moment the passenger becomes the pilot," she said.