EBHS Sends off Graduating Class

By Megan Malloy

Graduation for East Brunswick High School was held Monday at the Sun Center in Trenton.

Faculty member Arigris Hristofis addressed the graduating seniors, as well as Class President Chengkai Hu. 

“Here’s a secret to never fail,” said Hu in his speech. “Stay in your seats, and never leave this building.” 

Principal Michael Vinella also encouraged the graduating seniors to never shy away from failure in his address to the class of 2013. 

“Life will go on whether you step up or not, and it will not always be fair,” said Vinella.

Vinella presented Superintendent Jo Ann Magistro with a bouquet of flowers for her service to the East Brunswick school district.

Magistro will be retiring after 46 years in education, 42 of which she spent in the East Brunswick school district. 

 “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” Magistro said in her address to the class. “That’s certainly worked for me.”

Magistro praised the class of 2013 for its achievements, citing recent accolades on the state and national levels. EBHS was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top public high schools by Newsweek magazine

Magistro and Vinella, along with Board of Education President Todd Simmens, presented the graduates with their diplomas to raucous applause.

Friends and family were ready to congratulate the graduates at the doors of the Sun Center, and many graduates admitted the day was bittersweet.

"I'm going to miss all my friends, and I had so many great teachers that have helped me a lot through the years," said Sophia Pappas. 

"It was a big moment," said Apryl Nixon of the graduation ceremony. "It was the turning point. I hope everyone does well in college."