Holmdel Promotes Its 8th Graders With Best Wishes
The William R. Satz School 8th graders graduated Wednesday, surrounded by family and friends and faculty.
On Wednesday, 294 Holmdel eighth graders were applauded, congratulated, and bestowed diplomas on their way to High School at a ceremony on the campus of Brookdale Community College.
The girls in their colorful short dresses and young men in suits sat in chairs in the center of the Collins Arena, surrounded by proud parents and friends in the bleachers who were undoubtably grateful to be in the air-conditioned comfort on a 95 degree afternoon.
The Class of 2012 appeared to be more male than female. Of the 294 students, there were 30 more boys than girls seated in the ceremony.
According to the guidance office, 267 have indicated they will continue to Holmdel High School.
Some have succeeded in winning spots in the prestigious Monmouth County Vo-tech Career Academies. Of those, 18 will be attending High Technology High on the Brookdale Campus, 6 are going to Allied Health and Science in Neptune, 1 is going to Biotechnology High School in Freehold, 1 to Communications High School in Wall Township, and 1 to the Marine Academy of Science & Technology Academy on Sandy Hook.
The incoming 8th grade class presently numbers 251 students, and is about 15% smaller than the outgoing class. Fluctuations in class size is not unusual, said Board President Barbara Garrity.
Jeff Rossi
5:46 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Congrats to the graduates!
Kelly Jackapino
10:26 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Some really great pictures!! Congratulations to all the 8th grade graduates and have a fantastic summer. High School is just around the corner!
Mary O'Brian
8:13 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
I may be an old fuddy duddy, but these children should be in caps and gowns...especially the girls. This event in not a fashion show.
Nevertheless, congratulations to all as you enter high school.
Grace Modla
9:15 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Many of us 8th grade parents were wistful for caps and gowns too, Mary, if only because it seems to add that extra something to the ceremony. But what impressed me was that all the 8th grade graduates were very respectful of the occasion, enthusiastic and supportive of each other. It was a joy to see. Sparkley tutus seemed to be the trend this year, which only made me glad I didn't have to navigate that shopping trip. With sons it's suit, shirt, tie, shoes -- in and out of the store in half an hour, boom done. ;-)
Robert H
3:38 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Mary... There's nothing fuddy duddy about tradition. I agree with you both, caps and gowns would add to the special occasion. Unfortunately, the 8th grade dance is held immediately after the graduation ceremony so the "fashion show" style of dress is more for the dance than the graduation. CONGRATS & GOOD LUCK TO ALL
SandyP
4:23 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Good luck to all, we are so proud of you!
danielle vassallo
6:34 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
I agree with Grace the girls all looked beautiful, The boys were handsome, and the class as a whole were very respectful!!
Mary O'Brian
8:18 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
These girls could have worn caps and gowns over their miniskirts and 5"' stiletto heels. Dressing for the dance over the graduation is like putting the cart before the horse. Our BOE should not schedule this dance on the same day.
I'm sorry these 13 year-old girls were not dressed appropriately at all for a graduation....again I know I'm a fuddy duddy.
AnAnnoyingHolmdelParent
10:54 am on Friday, June 22, 2012
It was the parents that bought these 13 year old girls these dresses and is ultimately the parents decision, so calling these girls "inappropriate" is very ignorant. Also this is only 8th grade, they don't need caps and gowns, let it wait for high school and college
DP
3:35 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I am also a parent who bought my 14 year old a sparkly dress. (Most of these girls have turned 14...) The girls may have been overly dressed up for a dance but they were all tastefully dressed and they all looked beautiful. The ceremony was lovely and the Lakeside Manor told the chaperones that this group was one of the best behaved groups they have ever seen. I am glad they all got to enjoy their moment before moving on to High School.
I do however think that the numbers are a little incorrect. If we start with 294 and are losing 27 to the Vocational schools (18+6+3) that brings us to the 267 number before accounting for those going to CBA, SJV, RBC and other schools. I would imagine that the 267 number is actually a bit smaller.
Grace Modla
4:29 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I think my favorite "look" was a young girl who'd worn a purple sparkly dress with high-top Converse sneakers, also purple, if I recall. Wonderful! Kudos to her for marching to her own drum.
Glad to hear the good feedback from the Lakeside Manor too. Extra proud!
DP
7:00 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Grace - That was my Emily!
Michael
5:03 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I for one think that caps and gowns would be a little bit "too much". As much of an accomplishment as it is to graduate middle school the ceremony is more of a transition into the rigorous world of High School and eventually College. The dresses were tasteful what was annoying was the air horns!!!
Grace Modla
7:09 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
DP, I knew it! She looked absolutely stunning. I love how she did her own thing. Well done to both of you.
Michael
5:06 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Who was blowing the horns???