Forrestdale School’s Class of 2015 has graduated.

Here’s more information about the 118 Rumson students who received their diplomas from Board of Education President Colleen O’Connor and Deane-Porter School Principal Shari Feeney at the June 17 ceremony at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

• SGA President Maxwell Connery, in his Greetings from the Class, recalled his experience arriving at Forrestdale School as a new student from a much smaller private school.

“I was made to feel included immediately, and then I came to realize what is unique about Forrestdale,” he said. “We are free to be who we are thanks to an environment of acceptance.

“No matter where we go to high school, as Forrestdale graduates we should try to create a ‘little bit of Rumson’ and that same attitude of acceptance.”

• SGA Secretary Ryan Champeau, presenting the Class Gift, announced that the Class of 2015 would be providing a Bulldog mat for the entryway of Forrestdale School.

• In her class address, District Assistant Principal Amy Romano urged the graduates to embrace inquiry.

“Teachers can’t possibly teach students everything they need to know, so they continue to empower their students to ask the right questions,” she said. “Spend time constructing your questions, be persistent with your inquiry, and maintain your curiosity.

“Continue to ask ‘why’ because knowledge is power.”

• Forrestdale School Principal Jen Gibbons thanked the Forrestdale staff for preparing the graduates thoroughly as they embark upon a new adventure.

“You are ready for the next chapter,” she told the students. “Fill the pages with wonderful memories.”

• Forrestdale Music Teacher John Lebitsch led the Graduation Ensemble in performances of the Processional (Pomp and Circumstance) and the Recessional (Stargate VI).

The following awards and honors were given:

• Mary Owen Borden Foundation Award for Excellence – Brennan Hughes and Ryanne Mulligan;
• Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award – Haley Cameron, John Gangi;
• Create Spirit Award in Honor of Lynn Reinalda – Lia Mann;
• Rumson PTO Award – Harry Braniff, Kendall Zifchak;
• Sarah Beels Dunikoski Award – Jenna Unger;
• Nancy Guthrie One Student Makes a Difference Award – Brendan Shanley;
• Alex J. Shanley Award for Extraordinary Determination – Alyssa Hull;
• Rumson Education Foundation: 21st Century Learner Award – Madelyn McGuigan;
• Award for Perfect Attendance During 8th Grade – Peyton McKean
• 8th Grade Dialogue Award Sponsored by Monmouth County School Boards Association – Ari Rosen.

Subject Awards

• Thomas Kilbourne (Social Studies);

• Brooke Kearney and Alexa Setteducate (English);

• John Lizotte and Maya Wall-Esteves (Science);

• Klayton DalPra, Pierce Jarck, Patrick Modin, and John Quadarella (Math);

• Sam Eckstein and Jenna Unger (Spanish);

• Ryan Champeau and Ian O’Connor (French);

• Sam Eckstein and Maya Grubaugh (Health);

• Victoria Caetano (Music);

• Natalie Bruno and Isabelle Rosa (Art);

• Natalie Bruno and John Quadarella (Computers);

• and Grace Karagjozi and Ian O’Connor (Physical Education)

• Forrestdale School Band Award – Susan Munger and John Quadarella;

• Award for Excellence in the Forrestdale Jazz Band – Max Connery
Award for Excellence in Drama – Gina Teschke;

• President’s Award for Educational Excellence – Sam Eckstein, Brennan Hughes, John Quadarella, Ari Rosen, Alexa Setteducate, Kate Setteducate, Maya Wall-Esteves.

— Rumson School District press release