By Andrew Martins
Staff Writer
JACKSON – Graduating seniors at Jackson Memorial High School and at Jackson Liberty High School will be honored by their friends, family members and the educators who helped them reach their final days as Jaguars and Lions.
On June 16, a total of about 800 students will accept their diplomas before embarking on the rest of their lives.
Jackson Memorial seniors will graduate at 3 p.m. Jackson Liberty seniors will graduate at 5 p.m. The graduation ceremonies will be held at each school’s football field.
In the event of inclement weather, each high school will host graduation in its gymnasium. Jackson Memorial would split its ceremony into commencement exercises at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Superintendent of Schools Stephen Genco said the graduation ceremonies reflect the strength of the Class of 2016 as a whole.
“It makes me incredibly proud to know our students understand that although they are graduating from two different high schools, they are part of one great school community,” Genco said. “We of course want them to identify strongly with their own high school, but knowing they can appreciate the common bond between them is very rewarding.”
Jackson School District administrators said a majority of the seniors will continue their education, with about 78 percent of the graduates expected to attend two-year and four-year institutions of higher learning.
Among the colleges and universities to which Jackson students have been accepted are Penn State University, Princeton University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rutgers University, Clemson University, Syracuse University and Georgetown University.
District administrators said the Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty seniors were offered a total of $16.7 million in scholarships.
While some graduates head off to college, others will enroll in career education, attend trade schools, enlist in military service or pursue a career straight out of high school.
“I know students can sometimes get caught up in graduation plans and pictures and parties, but it is always my hope they will take a moment to enjoy the enormity of their accomplishment,” Genco said. “Our curriculum is not easy. For them to have excelled in all the ways they have excelled is truly remarkable.”
Jackson Memorial Principal Kevin DiEugenio said this year’s seniors demonstrated excellence in the classroom, on stage and on the athletic field.
“I am as impressed as ever with their school spirit and drive to succeed,” DiEugenio said. “We appreciate the dedication displayed by the members of the Class of 2016 and appreciate the legacy they leave behind for future Jaguars.”
Jackson Liberty Principal Maureen Butler said she is proud of the seniors and their drive to succeed.
“What impresses me as much as their ability to work hard in the classroom is their ability to work with each other, their ability to collaborate … and achieve their goals,” Butler said. “That, in and of itself, is a valuable life lesson and one that will serve them well in the future. I’m so very proud of them.”
