On Monday, August 26, William Floyd High School celebrated 30 seniors who became the newest William Floyd alumni as members of the Class of 2024. Graduates gathered in the high school auditorium with family, friends, faculty, staff, administration, and members of the Board of Education to celebrate this milestone achievement.
The ceremony began with the presentation of Colors by William Floyd High School NJROTC cadets led by Senior Chief Andrew DiDonato, along with Class of 2024 graduate Jaylen Dyer-Hart leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Summer school co-principals John DeBenedetto and Michele Manion congratulated the graduates and their families on their accomplishments.
“Today we are not only celebrating the completion of your high school career but we are also recognizing your character as a person,” said Mr. DeBenedetto. “The characteristics you displayed this summer – determination, perseverance, hard work and humility – were the guiding forces which propelled you to graduation. These characteristics should always remain the foundation of who you are, as they will help you live a successful and happy life. Life will not always be easy, and at times will challenge you, but remember how you got here today and that you can overcome any challenge you may face in the future.”
Summer school co-principal Michele Manion likened the graduates to diamonds, which are created through intense pressure and high temperatures to become beautiful gems. “Diamonds are valuable and you are valuable – your time…efforts and skills are all valuable; don’t ever forget that. Congratulations and it was an honor to be your principal this summer.”
William Floyd High School principal Philip Scotto also addressed the graduates noting that they reached this point because they did not give up. “The fact that you are here speaks of your perseverance,” he said, adding that the graduates can learn from their experiences and understand what it takes to accomplish great things by staying true to themselves and focusing on the positive.
Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster also addressed the graduates and led them in the Regents decree. He said, “People want to talk about guarantees in life – there are very few guarantees in life, graduates. However, this diploma is guaranteed to stay with you for the rest of your lives. Wherever you go and wherever your journey takes you, you are a William Floyd High School graduate. Congratulations, you did it. Way to go.”
Additionally, GinaAnn Gundersen delivered student remarks with Jada Marsh leading the tassel ceremony. Members of the Board of Education had the honor of presenting diplomas to the graduates.
Class of 2024 August graduates include: Siara Aragon Yanes, Calvin Berrios, Leniel Caraballo Quiros, Jonathan Cullum, Scarlett Cusano, Logan Dittmeier, Austin Dixon, Jaylen Dyer-Hart, Justin Flores Canaca, Ricky Francois, Aniyah Fuller,
Bryan Gavidia,
Maya Gonzalez,
Ahjanai Gray,
GinaAnn Gundersen,
Kurtis Havens,
Ja’Zirea Hester,
Kiesha Jackson,
Kamara James,
Kimmarie Lopez-Boccia,
Jada Marsh,
Katelynn Melvin,
Xavier Noboa Jouxtteaux,
Alysha Reyes,
Joseph Ryan,
Jason Schwarz,
Arthur Surrey Jr.,
Davaji Thompson,
Giovanni Villanella
and Crystal Ward.