You didn't hear me. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Everybody. Okay, let's go. Thank you. [applause] I love you. [music] [bell]
Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [bell] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Glory to you. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Where are you? Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [bell]
Glory. Heat. Heat. Praise the Lord. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music]
Heat. Heat. [bell] Glory. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. [bell] Heat. Heat. la. [bell] Hey Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. [music] [bell] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [bell] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Happy birthday. God. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [bell] Heat. Heat. God. Praise God. Where are you? Heat. Heat. Yeah.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [bell] >> to the Lord. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [bell] glory. Heat. Heat. Please stand for the pledge of
allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Please stand for the national anthem. Say [singing] by the dawn early light. So proud we
at [singing] the twilight last stripes and [singing] bright stars through the fight we [singing] were so gallentare.
[singing] >> [music] >> proof [singing] that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that [singing] star spangle for the [singing] land
of the free and the [singing] home of the brave. [applause and cheering] >> [applause] >> You may be seated. Good evening. Good evening, friends, families, and students. Thank you to the
t teachers, principals, Miss Oavdo and Miss Evans, administrators, Dr. Caputo, staff, student council adviserss, Miss Stwire and Mrs. says and the board of education members for giving me the opportunity to be up here speaking with
you all today and also for the support you've given Edgar Middle School's class of 2026. My name is Anna Rose Lopez. I am the current student council president for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. I am so happy to finally be up here
speaking with you all today. I mean, we've been waiting forever for this moment, but finally we actually made it. Um, over the past four years, each of us has faced our fair share of challenges. Challenges, obstacles, and experiences that have shaped us as individuals. Yet
today, I choose I'm choosing not to completely dwell on that half of the story, but instead to focus on the positives. When I ran for president, I said I want everyone to make memories this year. I told them I wanted to wanted them to forget about the obstacles and remember the good
experience they had by time their by the time their experience here at Edgar ended. Um and during our time here we've made some amazing friends some of which we'll keep for life and shared magical experiences
with them such as the various dances field trips and other events we've all gotten the pleasure to enjoy. We've also met teachers and other individuals who have impacted the directions of our future and not only taught us valuable
lessons in their respective subjects but about life in general. Personally, I've learned quite a few valuable val valuable things from these teachers just by observing them and being around them almost every day. Um like how it's possible to still make friends when you're an adult, that no matter how
grown you get, there's still opportunities to have fun. that growing up doesn't necessarily take away from our ability to maintain relationships with their friend our friends and family. Sometimes the most inconventional ways of doing things in life are the best ways to do things.
Everyone has their own unique story to tell and sometimes the most memorable things in life come from the most randomst situations. I also think a lot of us learned from our personal experiences about perseverance that despite all the
hurdles, we continue to try our best and we saw it through to the very end. The bumps in the road helped us learn how to keep on pushing forward. Our efforts and our efforts were all rewarded through the community we built here at Edgar Middle School. The fun experiences we
shared together and the friends we found ourselves drawn to. The people we met in the most unexpected places. The friendships we lit after years of distance. The people who remind us of ourselves that we found comfort in. And the families built when a group of
amazing individuals come came together. We've danced together and run together. Sang together and played music together. Read together and taken tests together. Played sports together and acted together. Played volleyball together and watched basketball together. Won
together and lost together. Failed together and succeeded together and changed together and most importantly grown up together. We are now all on our ways to next steps forward. A new adventure filled with new people and new
possibilities. Our next challenge. I'm lucky to be moving forward in life with so many of you. I hope wherever we may end up, we can look back at our time here, not as a short part of our lives, but as an experience that shaped us into our own individuals.
We have so many opportunities ahead of us in high school. New clubs, new sports, new people, new friends, new lessons that might help us find something we love. New opportunities both inside and outside of school to do something you might have never thought
of doing before. We got this. We made it through the eighth grade. We can manage four more school years. As I start to wrap things up, I just want to say it's been an honor to be your voice as class president and
congratulations to our class of 2026. Thank you very much. [applause] Hello everyone. For those who don't know me, I'm Amelia and I am honored to speak to you all today. First, I would like to thank Dr. Caputo, Mr. Prowski, and especially Mrs. Oavdo for the chance to
speak to you all. Many of you are very excited to be here on this important day. You are almost done for the year and can almost relax. You are I'd like to give you some advice as you leave Edgar and move on to the high school. You should do something over the summer. Whether it's going
outside or doing something, do something. Don't stay outside because you miss out on the wonderful community we have here in Matuchin. But when I say community, it doesn't just come from Matuchin, though. Many of you have other communities. They can be from your sports, any clubs you do, or just your
groups of friends. But it's important to have one. Having a community is an important thing as it's filled with people you care for and trust. I, for one, found a community in my sport of field hockey. A lot of the people I play with I considered my closest friends, even the coaches. That's how closely knitted the team is.
I'm involved in a lot of activities and when I switch from one activity or club to another, everyone puts in the time and effort to get to know each other quickly. We all can laugh with each other and joke and talk about regular things. That's what community should be connected and caring. Academics are also very important and should be your main
priority, especially in the beginning of the school year. The amount of tests you have can pile up quickly and be very stressful. It's a hard thing to adjust to. Trust me, I've had a hard time adjusting at first. It's okay to feel stressed by this change. What helped me adjust was talking to my parents and
asking my teammates what helps them with the stress. Talking to people in my community made me feel less alone and help me gain ideas to further manage the stress. My parents told me to study days before distress so I'm not cramming the night before. My teammates gave me advice to take notes in class or to ask
others for help if I was confused. They also helped me balance being a student athlete. Another academic change is that the responsibility will be on you to do your work and reach out to teachers. They won't remind you every day about homework or missing assignments. They also won't chase you down the greenway on a bike to inform you of what's
missing. If you're like me and like to procrastinate, I'd recommend putting due dates into your phone calendar and setting daily reminders for assignments. At the end of the day, you have to figure out what works best for you. After all, it's your life and everybody's different. So, some things work and some things don't. But if you
still can't figure out what helps you and are struggling, don't be afraid to ask around for ideas and put together parts that you like. Now, I wish you all a wonderful, perfect summer filled with lots of fun. I hope you all continue to grow and prosper in a wonderful community. And I wish you all a lovely year at MHS.
[applause] [applause] Good evening. The Edward M. Joyce scholarship was established in 2002 by the Joyce family to honor Mr. Joyce, former principal of Edgar Middle School and his 34 years as an educator in the Matuchen School District. This
scholarship is presented annually to the eighth grade student who most exemplifies high standards of academic achievement, sportsmanship, and citizenship. The recipient is selected by school staff and administration. It
is my pleasure to present today, June 17, 2020. June, that was the award ceremony, sorry. June 23rd, 2026, the Edward M. Joyce scholarship to Claire Cahill. [cheering]
[applause] [applause] Congratulations Good evening. Each year, the fifth and sixth grade student council selects a student who has exhibited tremendous dedication to student council as well as to our school community. With that in
mind, the 2025 2026 recipient of the fifth and sixth grade student council scholarship is Anna Rose Lopez. Congratulations. [applause] Good evening. Each year, the seventh and
eighth grade student council selects a student who has been dedicated to Edgar Middle School's student council and possesses outstanding leadership qualities. This year's recipient displays exemplary characteristics of a positive role model and has committed
their time to their fellow students. Our recipient has been a valued member of the seventh and eighth grade student council for the past two years at Edgar Middle School, serving as a leader to the other council members. It is our pleasure to announce that the 2025 and
2026 recipient of the seventh and eighth grade student council scholarship is for Amelia Hoe. [applause] Congratulations to all of our student council members and graduates.
The Katherine A. Blood scholarship was established to honor Edgar's former principal who was a dedicated leader in our school community. The sports program at Edgar Middle School was officially established in the year 2001. When Ed Edgar became the new Edgar School,
sports as we know them started to become part of Edgar's life. Over the years, the program has grown and we are formidable competitors amongst other middle schools in the area. Leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication are just some of the qualities that our Edgar
community holds high in high regard when it comes to our talented athletes. This year's recipient has led teammates through the ups and downs of competition, has demonstrated respect, persistence, and fairness on and off the playing field, and are committed to
always giving 100%. It gives us great pleasure to announce the winner of the Katherine A. Glutz scholarship which has been awarded to Thomas Whittington. [applause] This athlete embodies the qualities of true leadership. Congratulations to the
class of 2025 2026. [applause] >> [singing and music] >> Open up the dirty window. Illuminate [singing] the words that you cannot find. Reaching [music] for something in the [singing] distance so close you can almost taste
it. Release your inhibition. I am [music and singing] unraine. I'm just [music] in my head ending on [music] staring at the blank page before you open up the dirty window. The sun illuminate [music and singing]
the words that you cannot find. Reaching for something in the distance. So close you can almost [singing] taste it. Release your inhibition. Feel the rain on your [music] skin. No one else can feel it for you. Only you can let it in.
No one else. No one else [music] can speak the words on your [singing] lips. Trench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with [music] arms wide open. Today is where your books begin. The rest is [music] still unwritten. >> [music]
[singing] >> Staring at the blank page before you [music] open up the dirty window. Let the sun appate the words that you cannot find. Reaching [singing] for something in the distance so close you can [music] almost taste it. Release
your inhibition. Have the blank page [singing] before you. Open up the dirty window. Let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find. [singing] Reaching for something in the distance so close you can almost taste it. Release [singing] your
inhibition. [music] Staring at the blank page before you open up the dirty [music] window. The words that you cannot find. Reaging for something in the [music] distance so close you can almost [singing]
release your inner staring [music and singing] at the blank page before you open up the dirty window [singing] that you cannot [music] reaching for something in the distance so close you can almost [singing] taste
it release your in [singing] It's time. [music] [cheering] [applause] [applause] That was beautiful. I've been thinking a lot about truth and
trust, about science and curiosity, about the power each of you has to shape the future. Good evening, families and friends. Thank you for paying for and welcome to the new Matuchen High School Fieldhouse. [applause] Let's spend a few minutes tonight
talking about truth, about thinking, and about responsibility. If it's on the internet, it must be true. No, no, no, no, no. You know better than that. We live in a world where information is everywhere, constant, immediate, and often unfiltered. That means the
responsibility falls on you. Not just to take in information, but to question it, to test it, to understand it. Tell the truth. Expect the truth from others. And always remember, trust, but verify. That idea connects directly to
something just as powerful, science. Be amazed by it. The scientific method isn't just something you learn in class. It's a way of thinking, a way of approaching the world with curiosity and discipline. It's how we make sense of what we see and how we avoid being
misled. It starts with observation. Notice something that makes you wonder. Then comes the question, why does it happen? You form a hypothesis, your best testable guess. You experiment. You gather data. And you analyze what you
find. And then you draw a conclusion knowing that you might need to revisit your thinking and try again. Because science isn't a straight line. It's a cycle. And in so many ways, so is life. Matuchen public schools, like all K12 public schools, are a cornerstone of
democracy. This system exists to prepare you not just for tests or grades, but for participation in the world, for thoughtful decision-making, and for informed citizenship. Your families have entrusted us with that responsibility, and you've met the
moment. Edgar and Campbell and Moss have prepared you well. Our teachers and staff have guided you through moments of growth, challenge, and change. They've helped you learn not just what to think, but how to think. And tonight we celebrate that. To our parents, it's not
easy. The world your children are growing up in is more complex than ever. The amount of information they encounter every day is staggering. And much of it comes without context or verification. Your role has never been more important. And we thank you for your partnership,
your support, and your trust in us. And to our students, you have power. The power to ask questions, the power to seek the truth, the power to use your voice. Over the next four years, you will shape your high school experience. You will influence your community, and
you will make choices that matter. And those choices, grounded in truth, guided by curiosity, and strengthened by your willingness to think critically, have the potential to make not just this school better, but the world beyond it. It starts here. It starts with you. And
we are proud of you. We can't wait to see you on the fields, courts, stage, and in the classrooms here at MHS next school year. Congratulations to the Edgar class of 2026. Have a safe, healthy, and productive summer. [applause] Good evening students, parents, family,
friends, faculty, staff, and members of the board of education. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the Edgar Middle School class of 2026. I'd like to be begin by thanking Dr. Caputo, Dr. Herszog, Mrs. Evans, our school administrators, supervisors,
teachers, staff, and members of the board of education. Your support and dedication help make evenings like this possible, and we are grateful for all that you do for our students and community. Eighth graders, before we celebrate your accomplishments, I want you to think
about the people who have been with you every step of the way. Your parents and guardians. They have been your biggest fans, your strongest supporters, and at times your personal Uber drivers, alarm clocks, tutors, chefs, and tech support. They have sat through concerts, games,
and recital. They've listened to stories about homework, teachers, friends, and occasional mysteries surrounding why your Chromebook stopped working the night before an assignment was due. Through it all, they have loved you, believed in you, and supported you unconditionally.
At this time, I'd like all of our eighth grade students to please stand and give your families a welldeserved round of applause. [applause] You may be seated. We didn't even rehearse this. Look how good they did. [laughter] How well they did. Another group of
people who have helped shape our journey is your school family. From your earliest days in Moss to your time here at Edgar, so many caring adults have supported you. Teachers, counselors, case managers, nurses, par profofessionals, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria staff, bus
drivers, and crossing guards. These are the people who reminded you about your assignments, handed out band-aids, helped you navigate friendships, and occasionally reminded you for what felt like the hundth time to spit out your gum or walk in the hall. I can't believe our time together is
coming to an end. It seems just like yesterday when you walked into Edgar as nervous fifth graders trying to learn the combinations and wondering if you'd make it to class on time. Somehow you s sur survived the lost water bottles, group projects, benchmark assessments,
and more Google notifications than anyone should reasonably have to endure. Today is much more than academics. It's about celebrating who you've become. Throughout this year, we focus on the importance of respect, caring, inclusiveness, integrity, responsibility, perseverance, courage,
and honesty. These values have helped shape not only the students you are, but the people you're becoming. One of the highlights of this school year was our assembly with Joe Beckman. He challenged us all to become difference makers. He reminded us that changing someone's day and sometimes someone's life doesn't
require fame, money, or millions of followers. It can start with something much simpler. Saying hello, including someone who feels left out, showing empathy, or words of encouragement. In a world where it's so easy to scroll past people, he reminded us to stop and truly
see one another. And honestly, I have seen so many of you doing exactly that. I've seen you help classmates and friends who were struggling, encourage teammates, welcome new students, and show kindness when it mattered most. Those moments may not make headlines,
but they matter. They are what make our community strong. Tonight's promotion song, Unwritten, by Natasha Bettingfield, carries a message that feels especially fitting for this moment. One lyric says, "Today is where your book begins. The rest is still
unwritten." And what an exciting thought that is. The pages ahead are blank. You're beginning a new chapter, and none of us know exactly what it will hold. Some of you already have futures mapped out. Others are still figuring things out. And trust me, that's perfectly
okay. Life doesn't come with a table of contents. There will be amazing moments ahead. And there will be challenges. There will be successes and setbacks. There will be memories you cherish for ha forever. And perhaps a few hairstyles and fashion choices you'll look back on
and wonder, "What was I thinking?" But through it all, remember that you are the author of your story. As you head off to high school, I hope you continue to be makers. I hope you choose kindness. I hope you have the courage to try new things and the resilience to
keep going when things don't go according to plan. And I hope you remember that while middle school may sometimes have felt endless, one day you'll look back and realize these years went by much faster than you imagined. Thank you for the laughter, the energy, and the memories. Thank you for making
Edgar Middle School such a special place. You have made us proud, not just because of your accomplishments, but because of the young people you have become. Keep writing your story. Keep choosing kindness. Keep being difference makers. And remember, no matter how far you go, you'll always have a home here
at Edgar Middle School. Good luck, be well, and enjoy every chapter that lies ahead because the best pages are still unwritten. And always remember, I love your face. [applause] I now present the graduating class of
2026 [applause] [applause] Michaela Grace Abdul Raheem Ryan Afghami, [applause] Rohan Aken, Uma Aken,
Eterin Alieri, Wes S. Anderson, Donica Andreoli, Emma Danielle Andre, Lilana Grace Orango, [applause] [cheering] Adriana Armore, [screaming] Sufan Af
Carlos J. Aich Abubakar Salim Ba [cheering] Anush Shervan Bindanov, [applause] Alana Barber, [cheering] [applause] >> Sarin Sue Barlas,
>> [cheering] >> Emma Juliet Beagney, [applause] >> Nolan Michael Beagi, Zachary Nathan Burch, Anna Berthum, Leo Joseph Bilgrav, Camila Babcova,
Penelopey Bonija, Alexander Badu, [cheering] Eli Robert Bourne, [applause and cheering] Ava P. Bunkovich, Claire Reagan, Cahill, >> Jaden Mason, Kikitan, Garcia,
[cheering] >> Mason, John Carney, Ella Riley, Carol, >> [applause] >> Kevin Vincent Casey, [applause] >> Taha Chowry, Samuel Theodore Chavez,
[cheering] Charlotte Chen, [cheering] Amir C. Cheddy, Shaniah Chai Chester, [applause] >> Naomi Cole, [cheering] >> Hazel Craft, Declan C. Kaminski
[applause and cheering] Dominic Michael Dagnes Lucas N. Dascaloo, Isaiah Maris, Davala, Evan Lee Deagarza, [cheering and applause] Jack Brian Christopher Deary, Adele Derlinger, [screaming]
Avery M. Diaz, >> Aaliyah Marie Dissult, >> Christina S. Donahghue, Natasha Rose, Drakin, Clark, Jonah Mark Drifus, Calvin Liam Dupi, Mason John England,
[applause] Olivia Nicole Espayat Zezy Esim Madu, Michael Faucet, [applause] Jacob Alexander Feldman, [cheering] [applause] Afriel Anne Fernandez, >> [cheering and applause]
>> Ryan Anthony Frederickson, [cheering] Dia Gandhi, [cheering] >> Cavia Gandhi, [cheering] >> Ava Rose Goldbeck, Emory James Gordon Christian Aisha M. Halul
Alec Hambridge. Alec James Hambridge, [applause] Kevin Heath, Kate Rose Hbore, Harrison James Higgins, Amelia Styles, Hoe, >> [cheering and applause] >> Kevin Hosing,
>> Michael Cameron, Hosain, Harris, Irvan, Nyall, Bajori, Jamil, Susan, Jyn, Becket Carl Johnson [applause] Raymond Christopher Johnson Fish Adish Jooshi
>> Caitlyn Rose Joyce >> [cheering] >> Tristan James Jung, [applause] Charvin Kanaga Sundaram, >> Nadia Otilia Carbabski, [cheering] [applause] Dylan Anthony Casalonis, James Loyola Keenan,
[applause] Lillian Marie Keith, Thomas Joseph, Kellen, Doy, Yun, Kim, Miles Jang Jwan Kim, [applause] >> Penelopey Taan Kim, [cheering]
Caroline, Anna Kukaruza, [cheering] Ana Kumar, >> [applause] >> Leah Emmanuela Cosmic Olivia Lamb [cheering] Jeppe Pasquali Lcia [applause]
Natalie C Lee Garland Lee JD Lee, >> Michael Lee, [applause] Reena Liao, Daniel H. Limb Alistister Dani Leu Derek X Leu [applause and cheering]
Andres Alejandro Loisa Poso Anna Rose Ella Lopez >> [applause] >> Adam Ma, [cheering] [applause] >> Daniel Ma, Bowie Mai,
Vincent Patrick Morasco, [applause] Dmari Matthew Asdo, >> [cheering] [applause] >> Maya Helena Matthysse, >> Charlotte Rose McCam, [cheering and applause] >> Owen Merkel,
Annabella Grace, Msina, >> [cheering] >> Tamarad, [cheering and applause] >> Alia Lagospi, Mabalo, [cheering] [applause] >> Oliver Mitchko, Katherine Malino, Brian M. Montalbano
[cheering] Mila Sophia Morau [applause] Michael Lewis Mutil Jr. Sumemed Nikatam, [applause and cheering] Luke James, Naan, Marar, Adrisa, Nai,
[applause and cheering] Cal, Travers, Nigum, >> [applause] >> Robert Joseph North, [applause] Lilia Oancha, Maxine Rose, Angeco, [cheering] Renji A. Ordonz,
Ava O'Reilly, [applause] Haley Osorio, [applause] Liv Otani, [cheering] [applause] Zoe Otani,
[cheering] Isabella Luchia Ia Palugi, [cheering] Kai Patel, >> Sophia Melina Polardis, [cheering and applause] >> Ed Pearllin, Grayson Purscels, >> [cheering]
[applause] >> Amber Pippery, [cheering] >> Sophie Maya Potter, [cheering] >> Addison Claire Perser, Anika Ry, [cheering] [applause] Ethan Ren,
[applause] Chris Rishinara de Mangalum then Katachalum Brody Montana Rodriguez, Diego Alejandro Roas Guzman [applause] Marcos Jose Ro [cheering]
Adella Z Roser [cheering] Jovana Catherine Rosser, [cheering] >> Vic Rushawa, [applause and cheering] Raj Safi, [cheering] Kaden Gabrielle Manola Santana,
[applause] >> Luke Thomas Szac, Ian Robert Scott, Kevin Squera, Nicholas Serban, [cheering] Kayn Anor Shaw, [cheering] >> Ty Jalil, Shahid,
>> Mila E, Sheilei, [cheering] Oh, >> Arya Ait Singh. A sing Vidushi Mahua Singh Eva Scarvar Shay Logan Smith
[applause and cheering] Zachary John Sneezik, [cheering] Gavin Jude Somo, Oliver Carvoski Scottanovich, Kendall Stecker, Maline Grace Stoofa, [cheering] Connor Jameson Stone, [cheering]
>> Anderson X Strotman, >> John Steiner, [applause] Chenade Cecilia Sullivan, [cheering] >> [applause] >> James T. Timberelloo [applause] Julian Swin Tang
[applause] Vincent Swin Tang Malana Serena Torres [cheering] Umber Vicaria Haley Alysa Vargas, >> Leila Sky Vasquez, >> Mia Lauren V,
Emma Christine Wade, [cheering] Ana Vad, Havan Carter J. Wang [cheering and applause] Isabella Wang [cheering] Itong Wang [applause and cheering] Paige Ryan Weiss
>> [applause] >> Ramona E. West [applause] >> Thomas D. Whittington, [applause] Bianca Oijaya, Jolene Marie Wilkins, Isabella Marie Williams,
Lucas Jacob Wright, [applause and cheering] Lewis H. Yanicon >> Matteo David Yanone [cheering and applause] Maya Grace Yasine Ivan Jace Yip [cheering]
>> Wesley H. Yip >> [applause] >> Lorenzo Manuel Zites, >> Brian Zang, [screaming] >> Yangi Joe, and Sebastian Zakardi. [cheering] >> [applause] >> I am proud and honored to present to you
the Edgar Middle School class of >> 2020. 26. [cheering] [music] [music] [applause and cheering] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [bell] [music] Heat.
[music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [bell and music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat.
[music] >> [music] [bell] >> Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music and bell] Heat. [music] [music] Heat.