Verona Holds Cooler Commencement at Caldwell College

Verona High School's commencement ceremony where 144 graduates received their diplomas went off without a hitch in a larger — and more importantly air-conditioned — venue.

This year's seniors celebrated their graduation for the first time at the George R. Newman Center at Caldwell College. The school district arranged to move commencement, typically held on the field or in the gym at the high school, to find a more comfortable venue for graduates and their guests.

Valedictorian Michael Hardenberg was no stranger to addressing his classmates. Hardenberg said he also spoke at his fourth grade farewell, a moving up ceremony for students entering the middle school.

Hardenberg, who will be attending Messiah College in the fall, according to The Fairviewer, said, "There's one thing that I would urge each of you to do as you continue your life's journey, and that is to keep on learning."

He added that no matter what amazing things the Class of 2013 will go on to do, "The amazing people you do them with is what matters."

Jenna O'Connell, salutatorian along with Benjamin Jung, referenced the many students whose parents and grandparents went through Verona schools.

"This tiny town and this high school full of quirks will always be part of our lives," O'Connell said.

Jung said he is excited about making a new start and about the limitless possibilities ahead of him.

"Today I feel like a small child again," he said.

Veorna High School Assistant Principal David Galbierczyk gave an overview of the Class of 2013's accomplishments in academics, sports, music and other extracurricular activities.

Galbierczyk said this class had Advanced Placement (AP) participation five times greater than the seniors in 2006. He said 99 percent of students who enrolled in college-credit level courses received those credits. Members of the Class of 2013 also performed at Carnegie Hall and participated in a United Nation's effort for human rights.

Principal Glenn Cesa also commented on the students' efforts to give back, saying they defied the stereotype of teenagers keeping their heads down in their smart phones.

"The Class of 2013 looked up and helped out," Cesa said.

Superintendent Steven Forte shared an anecdote from his time at West Orange High School. Forte said he had been playing ball with friends when he backed into a lightpost and sustained injuries the day before his graduation. He later reflected on why there would be a lampost inside the fence and said he drove by and noticed it had been moved.

The moral of the story?

"You should always make a strong plan and do it right the first time," Forte said.

Sixty percent of the Class of 2013 will go on to colleges and universities outside New Jersey. One student will study in England, two will be studying in Equador and three students have enlisted in the military.