They’re headed to high school now.

One hundred and ten eighth graders of Fair Haven’s Class of 2016 graduated from Knollwood School on June 20 at a ceremony at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH).

About the ceremony …

The evening began with individual students sharing inspirational “This I Believe” statements and short essays.

A screen presentation of visual arts projects completed this year by the graduating students was featured as the Eighth Grade Graduation Band performed St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins. The graduating students sang  Count On Me, by Bruno Mars, in a performance directed by music teacher Mel Chayette.

Fair Haven Board of Education member Bennett Coleman was introduced by one of the graduates, her daughter Caroline, and shared her reflections with the class.

“One of the most unique aspects of Fair Haven is that people tend to stay here — and even if they leave, they eventually return,” said Coleman. “It’s as if there is an invisible ‘Yellow Brick Road’ leading you back.

“This is a very special place, where we even close off roads so that our students can travel back and forth to school safely.

“It is an honor to serve on the Board of Education and be a part of that. There truly is no place like THIS home!”

Knollwood School Principal Amy Romano also addressed the graduating class.

“Oftentimes we do not think carefully about the question, do not consider the credibility of the source, and do not synthesize what we read,” she said. “If we only retrieve and do not interpret the information, when will we ever think new thoughts?

“All in all, there are three goals I would like you to pursue: Number one, continue to ask ‘Why?’; number two, spend a length of time constructing your questions and your findings will become more profound; and, number three, be persistent with your inquiry and curiosity in today’s world.

“Graduates, as I conclude I ask you to complete one more task before entering high school. This summer, put your phone away for a few days.

“Make memories that carry on as pure moments in time. Make memories that are just yours.”

Diplomas were then awarded by Interim Superintendent Kathleen Cronin and Board of Education President Bruce Padula as Romano performed roll call.

Students were recognized with the following awards for special achievements:

• The Bud Dupree Volunteer Award – Meghan Carolan;
• Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) Citizenship Award – Gibson DiCenso, Ben Hewson;
• Dr. Patricia B. Campbell Outstanding Artist Award – Katherine Harby;
• Dorothea Degano Music Award – Jacob Gerbman, Joseph Laughinghouse;
• Nancy Field Collier Music Award – Leila Maldonado, Daniel Parsons;
• Living the Writerly Life Award – CeCe Newman, Amelia Thomson;
• John L. Measley Physical Education Award – Ryan Elderhorst, Allison Lista;
• Excellence in Mathematics Award – Kirstin Felsmann;
• World Language Award/Spanish – Andrew Appezzato;
• World Language Award/French – Colin Gray;
• Historical Association of Fair Haven, Inc. – Michael Simeone;
• Michael Mekenian Science Awards – Aaron Bernstein, Julia Mancuso;
• F.H.E.A. Award for Academic Excellence – Lily Barnett;
• Superintendent’s Outstanding Student Award – Kirstin Felsmann.

At the conclusion of graduation, the students returned by bus to Knollwood School to take part in an enduring tradition — the walk back to Viola L. Sickles School, where many of them began their grade-school education.

Well-wishers lined the streets as the students made their way to the Graduation Dance at the Sickles School All-Purpose Room, which was transformed into The Land of Oz by parent volunteers led by decorating committee co-chairs Sandy Piperno and Danielle Turoczi.

Congrats to the Knollwood Class of 2016!

— Edited press release and photos from the Fair Haven School District