The Hammonton Gazette 06/14/17 Edition | Page 4

Breitzman valedictorian, Craig salutatorian for SJHS Wednesday, June 14, 2017 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3 GRAD, from Page 1 the first few rows of the church’s pews as the seniors waited to hear their names called so they could walk up and receive their diplo- mas after four years of dedicated work. Greeting the Class of 2017 was salutatorian Olivia Craig, who will be attending college at DeSales University in Pennsylvania this fall. Citing the words of Saint Francis de Sales—for whom her college alma mater was named— Craig challenged her classmates to ‘be who [they] are and be that well’ and put full effort into what- ever endeavors they encounter going forward. “Going forward, we have a choice to be whatever we want to be. The choices we make and the dreams we follow will shape who we are as people. No matter where call an advisor who will truly listen Ensure you’re making the best financial decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Call to arrange your complimentary consultation with Ben today. Financial Planning, Portfolio & Investment Management Business Retirement & Banking Services you end up or what you decide to do, I hope you do it to the best of your ability. Find your passion and work hard with it every day. Don’t settle for anything less than your best. Be ready to become the per- son you’ve always wanted to be. Go out into the world and be that person,” Craig said. As special of an occasion grad- uation day is for students to cele- brate individual accolades and achievements, Craig reminded her fellow graduates that it is their character that will be remembered longer than what they achieved in high school, and it is that same character that will lead them to fu- ture success. “In 10 years, we will all have moved on. No one will remember if you were the star player of your football team or what role you got in the school play or what grade you got on your final exam. Your popularity, your GPA and the number of likes you get on Insta- gram won’t matter. Those are in- significant to the kind of person you are. What matters most in life is not what we achieve, but what lies within us—honesty, compas- sion, kindness, integrity and faith to name a few. Our character will bring us much further in life than any one accomplishment in high school ever will,” Craig said. The ceremony marked the first for SJHS Principal Rev. Allain Ca- Looking for the perfect gown? Stop in our shop to see what’s new! One Sindoni Lane, Suite C, Hammonton (609) 270-7886 • www.meadowsbridalshop.com We carry gorgeous dresses by: David Tutera, Casablanca, Mori Lee, and so much mo