The Knollwood School Class of 2015 has graduated.
Though there are some things you may or may not know about the students in the graduating class, the June 18 ceremony at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School itself and honors awarded.
Here are some of those Knollwood graduation facts …
The Ceremony
• Inspirational “I Believe” statements were shared by many of the students;
• The Class of 2015 sang “Breakaway,” directed by Knollwood School Choral Director Vince Mottern;
• In his address to the Class of 2015, Fair Haven Superintendent of Schools Nelson Ribon reflected on the annual Stokes State Forest trip of in the spring of 2013. Describing it as “an amazing learning experience disguised as a four-day fun camping trip with all of your friends … schoolmates, parents, and teachers,” he said,
“This is where I believe your particular group turned the corner as a class and started on the path to maturity and preparedness for your next journey into high school … I enjoyed watching you make friends, become better friends, and truly appreciate the small things in life that make the biggest difference. Whether it was tactics, mountain hike, ravine, canoes, survival, or cleaning the ‘white house,’ you became even better people and learned from experiences that most children your age do not get the privilege to have.”
“I was proud of you then, as I am tonight.”
• Knollwood School Principal Kevin Davis made the official presentation of the Class of 2015.
“I wish you more ‘pause’ than ‘fast-forward,’ more ‘we’ than ‘me,’ and more treasures than pockets,” Davis told the graduates. “No one knows where your journey will take you — not even you — but I wish you great joy, much success, and safe travels.”
• Diplomas were presented to 111 graduates, who returned to Knollwood School after commencement to take part in the traditional walk back to Viola L. Sickles School, where many began their grade-school education.
Awards
• The Bud Dupree Volunteer Award – Emma DeSantis;
• Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) Citizenship Award – Nicholas Glassman and Nicolette Kuras;
• Dr. Patricia B. Campbell Outstanding Artist Award – Evan Davis;
• Dorothea Degano Music Award – Quinn Nolan and Lucas Tucker;
• Nancy Field Collier Music Award – Andrew Phelan and Noah Sullivan;
• Living the Writerly Life Award – Grace Katich;
• John L. Measley Physical Education Award – Jacqueline Hanson and Luke Reid;
• World Language Award/Spanish – Shaanti Choi-Bose;
• World Language Award/French – Sarah Finley;
• Historical Association of Fair Haven, Inc. – Olivia Rehder;
• Michael Mekenian Science Awards – Isabella Mitterando and Nicholas Moscardelli;
• F.H.E.A. Award for Academic Excellence – Grace Saad;
• Superintendent’s Outstanding Student Award – Lucas Tucker.
— Fair Haven School District press release