William Floyd High School Celebrates August Graduates

Press release from William Floyd School District:

Sept. 9, 2022

William Floyd High School recently celebrated 28 August graduates for their hard work and determination in becoming the newest alumni of William Floyd High School at the summer graduation ceremony! Together with family, friends, faculty, staff, administration and members of the Board of Education, seniors turned their tassels to the left and officially became graduates of the Class of 2022. Their achievements helped propel the August graduation over 91% for the second consecutive year.

After the ceremonial processional, the presentation of the colors by members of the William Floyd High School NJROTC and a student-led recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, John DeBenedetto and David Quartarone, summer school co-principals, congratulated the graduates and their families on this joyous occasion.

Mr. Quartarone shared with students three pieces of wisdom for students – outwork your competition, fail big (try and learn from mistakes) and help others along the way. Mr. Quartarone added, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it a good one and try to apply some of those time-tested words of wisdom along the way.”

April Coppola, president, William Floyd Board of Education, said that the August graduates persevered despite the challenges that came their way to achieve this milestone in their lives. “Someone is going to have a great life, and I always say, why not let it be you? You deserve it!” Ms. Coppola also added some words of wisdom for the graduates. “Believe in yourself and embrace it! Always learn to give back because…those are the traits of leaders…and if you continue in that path, you will succeed. I wish you a successful future; wherever you may go, be your best you. You have made this district and community proud. Congratulations!” Board of Education members Lorraine Mentz, Kevin Meyer and Robert Taiani, also attended on behalf the Board and community, as well as former trustee Thomas Gross.

Kevin Coster, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District, thanked the family members, faculty, staff, administration and school/community leaders for their efforts in supporting the graduates along the way. “August graduation is always one of my favorite events of the year,” he said, comparing it to halftime of the Super Bowl. “No one can remember the score at halftime, but they remember the winners and today’s graduates are winners. I’m sure some may have thought this might have been impossible – just think of the word impossible – separated into two different words, it spells ‘I’m possible.’ No one can ever take this degree away from you! You did it, I’m so proud of you. Congratulations!”

Class of 2022 August graduates include: Joanni Alfaro, Randy Alvarez, Alan Amaya, Josue Arana, Julieanna Basile, Gia Bold, Simone Brown, Steven Bull, Estarlin Campos Segovia, Jordan Carreno, Catalina Castro, Edin Chirinos Montoya, Damian Cruz, Jocelyn Cruz, Matthew Gemallaro, Kayshaun Glover, Kailey Harrell, Tristan James, Xavier Jones, Michael Kmiotek, Isabella Labozetta, Emily Leiva, Daniel Lizama, Susan Maly, Anthony Motta Jimenez, Miranda Silva, Penny Trent and Destiny Warner.

This press release was produced by William Floyd School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.