Ridge High Class of '10 Looks Forward to Graduation

Ridge High School's Class of 2010 is set to graduate on Thursday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m. on Lee Field. As students prepare to throw their graduation caps into the air, feelings of excitement, joy and nostalgia build up.

"As the President, I loved seeing the excited faces of peers when they attend school functions and pep rallies," Student Government President Andrew Madlinger said. "The experience I had at Ridge High School will be something I remember for the rest of my life."

Even the administration has sentimental feelings towards this year's graduating class. "For me, I have been with this class the last seven years since they were in sixth grade. I have become quite fond of them" Ridge Principal Frank Howlett said. Howlett became principal of William Annin Middle School in 2003, prior to returning to Ridge High School as a principal in 2006, when this year's graduating class entered Ridge as freshmen.

As at every commencement ceremony, the exercises begin with the band playing the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" as Ridge faculty and senior students parade onto the field. This leads to another special moment where the senior choir members lead the crowd in saluting the flag by singing the National Anthem.

"Having the privilege to sing the Star Spangled Banner at our graduation is an honor," said senior choir member Kathleen Pine, "to be able to sing to our country and with the members of the choir that I've grown to love so much - it's our final farewell and although it will be sad I'm excited to perform as I always am." 

As always, a few selected students will address their peers at the ceremony. This year, Senior Class President Arber Mavraj will be speaking, as well as seniors Stephanie Cox and Jeffrey Cucinell, who were selected by Ridge teachers and administrators from a competitive pool of candidates.

"I hope [my speech] is memorable for the students. I think my speech will enliven the mood of the ceremonies and keep the audience entertained in Thursday's heat," Cucinell said.

Howlett said that these speeches are his favorite part of the graduation ceremony, commenting that "they're fun to hear."

After student speeches, both Howlett and District Superintendent Valerie Goger will give a few words to the seniors and their parents. Then the administration distributes the diplomas to the new graduates and the ceremony comes to an end. Immediately after the picture-taking and last hugs, the newly named Ridge alumni are invited to participate in the "Senior Bash", a night-long event at Rider University, sponsored by the Bernards SCOP team (State & Community Organization Program).

"I'm looking forward to the senior bash… They have tons of activities there such as hypnotists and basketball courts" says Madlinger.

The graduation ceremony will be held outside at Lee Field, the school's football field, rain or shine. Tickets will not be required as long as the ceremony remains outdoors. Only in cases of severe weather will the ceremonies be hosted in the new gym. In this case, three tickets will be distributed per family.