West Milford celebrates the Class of 2018

BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — Graduation day for West Milford High School’s Class of 2018 on Tuesday, June 26 was one of the most perfect weather days for a graduation ceremony that Paul Gorski could recall during his tenure as principal.
It was bright and sunny with a refreshing breeze — a perfect evening for the outdoor event where 279 graduating seniors began the next chapter of their lives.
A Continuing TraditionA new tradition began last year: a districtwide “Grad-walk/Clap-Out” on the day of graduation.
It was a huge success and received much positive feedback from the community. The tradition continued this year with the Class of 2018.
Following their graduation practice Tuesday morning, the seniors were greeted with applause from Macopin staff and students, board of education staff, and district administrators as the graduates returned to the High School.
They received their graduation gowns to put on, and boarded school buses to pay a return visit to their home elementary schools. Upon their arrival, the seniors were escorted into their elementary Alma maters and greeted by the elementary students and staff members lining the hallways, holding signs, applauding, and cheering for the “big kids” that used to go to school there.
After the “clap out” procession, the seniors then revisited what is a favorite part of elementary school for many kids — recess and the playground.
The Class of 2018 laughed and played together with their friends like they hadn’t done in years; having fun on the playgrounds, or in a friendly game of kickball. Parent spectators held back tears as the years melted away right before their eyes.
The classmates posed for a final photo together at their home elementary schools before boarding the busses again to return to the high school for dismissal, and to prepare for their big night.
Pomp and CircumstanceThe Highlander Band played the processional music as the Highlander Pipes and Drums, with several graduating seniors among the ranks, led the procession of Graduates and staff members onto McCormick field.
The WMHS Concert Choir seniors sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Senior Class President Vincent Montesano led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
And then Gorski took his place for his last time officiating as Principal of WMHS at the beautiful brand new podium- created this year for the newly renovated school auditorium by students and staff in WMHS Wood Shop classes.
Reflections on the Class of 2018Gorski, Superintendent of Schools Alex Anemone, and Senior Class Advisors Charline Buongiorno and Sarah Guenter each spoke of the many positive attributes of the Class of 2018, describing them as an outstanding, intelligent, passionate, high-achieving, creative, compassionate, and memorable class of students.
Senior Class Vice President Brian Nager described the strong sense of community that was evident in this group of students through their many benevolent fundraisers and support for many charitable causes over the past four years.
He announced that the parting gift to the school from the senior class is an electronic sign for displaying important information and upcoming school events for students, staff and families.
Words of wisdomSalutatorian Nicholas Gangi, Valedictorian Kayla Yuhas, and “Voice of the Senior Class” Stephen Rampolla each gave inspirational speeches. They spoke of friendships made and hometown pride.
They spoke of being thankful for the support of their families, teachers and friends over the past four years.
Ceremonial TraditionsFollowing the speeches, “Lone Piper” Danielle Dreyer played “Amazing Grace” on her bagpipes for the final time as a student of West Milford High School.
The graduates names were read by Senior Class Secretary Gabriella Butchel and Treaurer Jack Gadomski, as the members of the Class of 2018 were presented with their diplomas by board of education members and administrators.
Class Liason Tess Olszewski then led the graduates in the “celebration” as they ceremoniously moved their tassels from the right side to the left, then tossed their caps high into the air.
The graduates skipped the formal recessional, as they posed for “parent paparazzi” photos, embraced friends and family members, and made their way to the lower field for cookies and bottled water, and to pick up their official diplomas.
Most then boarded the school busses and headed off to celebrate together at Project Graduation, held this year at the Wayne YMCA; and all headed out to begin their futures.