The Hammonton Gazette 06/22/16 Edition | Page 4

Speeches highlight of June 20 HHS graduation ceremony Wednesday, June 22, 2016 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3 HHS, from Page 1 honor to see the class grow … Back in 2012, we scurried across the hall as awkward little freshman and it almost seems we have come full circle, because most of us will probably be doing the same thing next year as we become freshman once again in college … Throughout these last four years of high school, I have realized that life is full of bumps in the road, and it seems like these bumps never stop knocking you down. But if you persevere, the results in the end are limitless,” Galletta said. Following Galletta’s opening statement, the crowd welcome 2016 salutatorian and HHS Student Council President Isabella Massey to the microphone. She discussed a number of projects that were headed by members of the class of 2016, including a Christmas toy drive and organizing the highest attended homecoming dance in the school’s long history. “Looking back at all the successful events we have contributed to as a class, I remember when people used to tell me to live my high school years to the fullest because we will only get four. I used to think to myself that those people were crazy. Four years is a lot of time. But now I am that senior saying that same thing to the upcoming high schoolers and to the underclassmen and I’m thinking about how fast those four years flew by … As you go out into the world, make lives, make friends and make mistakes, but most importantly, make memories,” Massey said. Hammonton Board of Education President Sam Mento III briefly addressed the crowd. He thanked everyone for coming to the ceremony and spoke about what the evening means to board of education members. “Sitting up here watching the parade of seniors pass by and handing out diplomas and shaking hands, this is by far the highlight of our year as board of education members. As our graduates walk by, we see the product of 12-plus years of Hammonton education. DiMeglio Septic, Est. 1975 ~ DEP 03261 ~ Paul DiMeglio THG/Joseph Bruno. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Dante Galletta addresses his classmates at graduation on June 20. We see academic achievement, tainly stepped up and continued creative expression, athletic ac- our rich tradition, making our high complishment, social responsibil- school one of the premier high ity and community service,” schools in South Jersey. Our school is without question a better Mento said. Principal Thomas Ramsay and place because of their countless Hammonton Superintendent of contributions,” Ramsay said. “At one time in my life, I had Schools Dr. Dan Blachford were the honor of training with a world next to take the podium. “This year’s senior class cerSee GRADS, Page 14 Now Carrying Yosi Samra Bridal Flats! Inc. 1 (800) 427-4617 ~ 561-1007 ~ 561-3597 491 S. White Horse Pike • Ancora, NJ • Grease Trap Cleaning • Portable Toilets • Septic Certifications • Jetting Service Foldable, Comfortable & Stylish! One Sindoni Lane, Suite C, Hammonton