ALLENTOWN – Before they graduated on June 20, the 300 students in the Allentown High School Class of 2018 received a congratulatory message from the man who has watched their progress in the Upper Freehold Regional School District for more than a decade.
Superintendent of Schools Richard Fitzpatrick, who has been out of school for several months and was recently diagnosed with a glioblastoma, posted a message on the school district’s website.
Fitzpatrick, who was unable to attend the high school’s graduation ceremony at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River, addressed the students, their family members and their teachers in a seven-minute video.
To the teachers, parents, grandparents, siblings and relatives of the seniors, Fitzpatrick said, “You have done such a great job helping our seniors reach this point.”
The superintendent said he is very appreciative of the all the good wishes and prayers he has received, noting they have been “a great source of strength to me. They have meant everything to me and my family.”
Turning his attention to the high school seniors, Fitzpatrick said, “I have celebrated your accomplishments. I feel like the proudest dad of more than 300 of the greatest kids in America.”
Speaking about what lies ahead for the young adults, Fitzpatrick advised them to “always show good nature, be curious, show interest in everything and everyone … show good common sense … remember our community, our state and our country, remember we will always be in need of great kids just like you … You are our hope for the future.
“I believe in you. I believe in who you are … take advantage of every opportunity to reach your full potential for greatness and success … I can’t wait to see your next set of accomplishments. I have always been so proud of all of you. I congratulate you. … I love you all. I think of you as my own kids. I wish you the best future anyone could ever have,” he said.
