Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Amy Rafano and I am the assistant principal for the eighth grade class here at North Brunswick Township Middle School. And it is my pleasure to welcome you to
the North Brunswick Township High School this afternoon. As we begin our class night ceremonies, we respectfully ask for everyone's cooperation in maintaining an appropriate environment. We request that all guests remain in their seats during
the ceremony and that photographs only be taken from your seats as guests will not be permitted on the floor. The fanfare and processional pomp and circumstance will be performed by the North Brunswick Township Middle School 7th grade band and orchestra under the
direction of Mr. Steven Kumar. Would you please rise and welcome the North Brunswick Township Middle School class of 2026 Believe in yourself, work hard, and never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. High school is not about
being perfect. It is about continuing to learn and becoming the best version of yourself. Remember that growth happens when you are willing to try, fail, learn, and try again. I hope you carry with you the values
that have guided you here. Be respectful. Treat others with kindness and dignity even when you disagree. Be accountable. Take ownership of your choices. Learn from your mistakes and celebrate your
successes. Be safe. Make good decisions. Take care of yourself and others. and always have the courage to do what is right. So as you walk across the stage and begin the next chapter of your life,
carry this truth with you. You belong here. You matter. You have something meaningful to contribute. And even if you don't know exactly where your place is in this world today, trust that it is waiting for you. Thank you very much.
I would now like to invite our student council president Blake Williams to the podium to address the class of 2026. [cheering and applause] >> Thank you. Uh I first would like to congratulate you all for making it through middle school and able to walk the stage and graduate. Congrats. Uh
secondly, I want to thank the teachers for staying strong through this year because I know not all of us are easy to handle in class. Uh middle school was a stepping stone for something bigger in our lives. Middle school was a stepping stone for something bigger in our lives. And I can
say for sure that this year was a good experience for me. I got involved in many school activities like student council, basketball and volleyball which helped me in school and gave me more confidence to talk to people and express myself. I hope many of you had the same experience. I would like to express our
thanks to our teachers for being there and helping us understand things we might not be able to understand at the time. I also would like to thank all of the parents in the crowd for their support and being here today. And a special thanks to my parents for being there for me my whole life. Mom and dad,
I love you guys. Uh to my classmates, I know that you will uh be able to thrive in high school with what you learned and gained from at MBTMS. Just work hard, treat everyone the right way, and remember to use deodorant. Some of y'all don't. You know who you are. Uh thank
you very much. Thank you, Blake. or balake as we like to say. I would now like to invite the superintendent of North Brunswick Township Schools, Dr. Brian Zakowski, to say a few words. Good evening, members of our board of
education, Mr. administrators, faculty, staff, parents, our family members, friends, and most importantly, the North Brunswick Township Middle School class of 2026. Graduates, tonight we celebrate an
important milestone in your life. This ceremony marks the completion of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is a moment to reflect on how far you have come and to look forward with excitement towards the
opportunities that lie ahead. The North Brunswick Township Middle School class of 2026 is truly a special class. You are the fifth graduating class of the new North Brunswick Township Middle School. That distinction alone makes you
very unique. You help establish the ongoing traditions, create memories, and leave a mark on the building and this community. More importantly, you are a class that is defined by resilience. See, throughout your educational career,
you don't remember this, but you experience challenges that previous generations could never have imagined. You learn how to adapt when circumstances change, how to overcome obstacles, how to persevere when difficult things were difficult. Those
experience have taught you lessons that cannot be found in text. They have taught you courage, flexibility, determination, and most importantly, grit. These qualities will serve you well not only in high school,
but throughout your life. Tonight signifies the completion of your elementary education. While many people are surprised to learn that 8th grade is considered part of elementary education, what lies ahead is your secondary
educational journey. A journey that will challenge academically, socially, emotionally, and personally. In just a few months, you'll walk through the doors that you just came through, and you'll be members of the class of 2030.
Let that sink in. North Brunswick Township High School, class of 2030. Wow, doesn't seem real. That may sound far away, but trust me, it will arrive faster than you think. As your superintendent, I can tell you with
complete confidence that the faculty and staff of the middle school and the entire North Brunswick Township community have prepared you well. You have been given the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to succeed. Now, the rest is up to you. You have already
heard several uh people talk tonight, including the class president. So rather than delivering another lengthy address, which it already seems like I am, I would like to leave you with three keys to success for high school. And parents,
family members, these keys are money back guaranteed. Number one, you build a strong foundation during your freshman year. Do not wait. Research involving millions of high school students that came before you
consistently shows that freshman year is the most important year of your entire high school experience. The habits you develop during your first year often become the habits that define the next four years. Attend class, complete assignments, ask questions, seek help
when you need it. A strong start builds momentum. work. When hard work becomes part of your routine, success becomes part of your identity. Key number two, get involved. High school is about much more than
earning credits and taking tests. It's about discovering who you are and who you can become. Join a club, try out for a team, participate in student government, theater, robotics, music, service organizations, academic competitions, or
The countless opportunities available to you right here at North Township High School. Some of your greatest lessons, friendships, and memories will happen outside the classroom. The students who gain the most from high school are often those who fully invest themselves in the
in the school community. Be present, be engaged, be involved. But by doing so, you will become, as I heard Miss say, the very best version of yourself. Key number three, families, money back
guarantee. Work harder and turn all the obstacles that you encounter into opportunities. See, life will challenge you. That is not a possibility. It's a certainty. At some point, you will face setbacks, disappointments, failures, or obstacles
that seem overwhelming. When those moments arrive, remember this. Never give up. Never give in. Work harder. There was a author. He wrote a book called David and Goliath. He als within the book he talks about
turning uh disadvantages into strengths to motivate you. He mentions people like Charles Schwab, Jackie Robinson, Oprah Winfrey all significant challenges, barriers and advers
they used them as motivation. They worked harder. They persevered. They transform obstacles into opportunities. The same can be true for each of you. When things become difficult, remember talent alone does not determine success.
Effort matters. Character matters. Perseverance matters. You can outwork obstacles. You can overcome challenges. And you can achieve more than you ever imagined. So as you leave here tonight, take those three keys with you. Start
strong. Get involved. work harder. If you do those three things, there's no limit what you can accomplish. Before I conclude, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the parents, guardians, and families and friends of the class of 2026. Thank you again for
your support, encouragement, your sacrifice, and partnership. Every graduate graduate sitting before us tonight has benefited from your love and guidance. Accomplishment belongs to you as well. Let's give everybody a hand. that as well, please.
[applause] And now, on behalf of the board of education and the entire North Brunswick educational community, is my honor and privilege to congratulate the North Brunswick Township Middle School class of 2026 and officially welcome you as the North Brunswick Township High School
class of 2030 graduates. >> [applause] >> Enjoy this moment. Celebrate your accomplishments. Believe in yourself. And never, never stop learning. Congratulations. Have a wonderful summer. And thank you. Thank you, Dr. Zakowski. I would now
like to welcome Mr. Richard H. Slovver, Jr., principal of North Brunswick Township Middle School. He'll say a few words and officially present the class of 2026. Good afternoon, NBTMS families and friends, colleagues, members of the
board of education, Dr. Zakowski, and of course, the NBTMS class of 2026. We all know that today is a special occasion for all of you and your families. After all, not long from now, you will no longer be middle school students. You will officially be high
school students. And of course, it is almost summertime right now. As exciting as being promoted to high school is, right around now, you may find yourself both looking ahead and looking back. Looking ahead, it is perfectly natural
to feel excited and hopeful while also having some concerns about adjusting to high school. High school is, after all, where you will prepare yourself for what will come later in life by expanding your knowledge and skills while pursuing your interests and making lifelong
memories with your friends. It will be enjoyable at some points and demanding at others with homework, tests, and projects just like there are in every school. But even with those challenges, high school can still be a magical place and a magical time in your
lives if you let it. And as for looking back, well, I do hope that means looking back fondly at your time at NBTMS to your accomplishments and plenty of laughter and good times. Now when I look back at this year, I
think of many special events we had which so many of you were a part of. Games, pep rallies, concerts, ceremonies, trips, the semiformal, just to name a few. But one event that stands out to me was the production by our
growing and improving drama club, The Wizard of Oz. NBTMS tapped into the phenomenon that is The Wizard of Oz, the well-known story that is a book, a play, a movie, and now has a whole new level of popularity thanks to the Wicked franchise.
Now, we all know this classic tale and its many storylines, right? You have a young girl who dreams of a special place that is, in her eyes, magical until she gets there and learns that even that place has its challenges.
You have four characters who become friends and unite to help each other pursue their dreams. Individually, they dream of gaining some courage, a heart, a brain, and a way home.
But they learned that that too has challenges and setbacks. And they learned something else. Ultimately, the four of them learned that everything they needed to reach their dreams, they already had. In fact, there is an old song by a band
named America called The Tin Man. And the lyrics say Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn't already have. In a way, the same can be said about all of you. Now, of course, high school is nothing
like Oz, but everything you need to make high school a special experience, you already have. All it takes is some courage, your heart, your mind, and your will to make it happen.
When you think about it, there are some good lessons to take from the Wizard of Oz as you enter high school. First, remember that everything you need to be successful, you already have. Second, know that it is always good to have true friends by your side along the
way. And third, sometimes the things we really want in life are right in front of us. Now look around you. You have your families. You have your friends.
And high school, which can be that magical place, you're already here. And it will be as special of a place and time in your lives as you want it to be. With a little courage,
your heart, your mind, and your will. On behalf of the staff at MBTMS, I want to wish you all the best of everything in high school and beyond. Take care of yourself. Take care of somebody else, too. Have a great summer, everybody. Thank you very much.
And it gives me great pleasure for a couple reasons to be able to say these words once more. Superintendent Dr. Zikowski. I hereby certify that the members of the North Brunswick Township Middle School class of 2026 have met the requirements mandated by the North Brunswick Township Board of Education
and deem them prepared to assume the important role of scholars and citizens at North Brunswick Township High School in the coming months. Dr. Zakowski, I officially present to you the North Brunswick Township High School class of 2030. [applause]
It is now my pleasure to welcome to the to welcome to the podium the eighth grade house center team of Miss Rafano, Miss Mayor Nick, and Mr. Janusca, as well as members of our instructional staff to begin the presentation of certificates. >> Let me know when you're ready. To begin with the presentation of
certificates, I'd like to welcome Welcome Raphael Fernandini, Hemoth Carnady, Alexander Michelle Hares Marugan, [applause] >> Nina Jolie Suarez,
Annayia Abbasi, Aiden Abdilal, Maine Abdal Fetah, Ibrahim Abdul Mumman, >> Carlos Abrau, Glattis Aguilar Lopez, Ja Alawat, Nikib Ahmad,
Omar Alexander, Zara Ali, Jolina Allen, [screaming] Elelliana Almansar, Rodriguez, Adriana Amanu, Eel, Ajane Anderson, Elias Antimati, >> Anthony Applegate,
Emmanuela Arthur, >> Matteline Adarelli, >> Rishweza Banda, Kelsey Barona, Shavaria Yeah. Nathan Barard, Tani Basodto, >> Yori Basardo, Lara [cheering]
Barrage, Bada up here. One, two, three, four. >> All right. Uh, Azoui Bats, >> Julia Bellow, >> Austin Bellow, Dominguez, Ben Sharif, Ian Bernal,
>> Maxwell Betwell, >> Josarin Singh, Boel, Derek Boatman, Mai Bond, Michaela Bonia, Ali Batello, [cheering] >> Bryce Boinkkins,
>> Andre Brethwith, >> Mariah Braxton, Michaela Buckmire, Priyatam Buddha, Maggar, Crystal Buo, Escobar, Alyssa Cabra, >> Brandon Cabrera, Vargas, Gerzan Kahina,
Adriana Calhoun, Dexter Kixe, >> Ronaldo Kamargo, Espa, Kishav, Kandadia, Arlenni Candia Melendez, Maxwell Cardinosa, >> Casten Carheart, Alexander Curillo,
>> Dexter Carton, >> Matthew Kasa, Major, >> Guadalupe, Kayatano Aguiar, Gioni Serda, Connor Chan, Malachi Charles [cheering] Jaziel Chavez Aosta [cheering]
>> and Jeremy Chen, [cheering] >> Shiv Citalia, [applause] >> Addison Coats, Roger Koko Mendoza, [cheering] >> Glory Kohley, Scarlett Kyaso,
Emily Kisario, Donnage, [cheering] >> Wilfred Ki, >> Jordan Cooper, [cheering] Darwin Corsino Sanchez, Giovani Cruz, [cheering]
>> Laura De Antonio, Theodore Da Silva, Franny de la Cruz, Jarn de la Cruz, [cheering] Angel de la Rosa, Lan, [cheering] Kimberly DeLeon, Kiara Athena de la Cruz, Valerie Diaz,
>> Nathaniel Dalanta, Haleen Diesla, Sia Dixit, Kyle Drayton, >> Jace Dwarte, Owen Dugen, [cheering] Jake Duran, Rod Rodriguez, Jamaiah Edwards,
Alexis Emmeterio, >> Jaden Estz, [cheering] >> Luis Estz, >> [cheering] >> Adam Aida, [cheering] >> Kora Fakone, [cheering]
>> Madison Finas, Lei Fermin Rodriguez, [cheering] >> Francis Fernandez, Sabinon, >> Nicholas Feverin, [cheering] >> Jason Finny, Michaela Flower, >> Hannah Folston,
>> Elijah Foster, Torres, >> Alexander Fre, Brillin Frontal Asana, >> Briana Galysia Garach, >> Ellery, Danielle Zal, Gapole, Mario Garay, Vieiraa, Chloe Garcia,
Marieli Garcia, Jacques, Yariel Garcia Valdez, Eduardo Garcia Vasquez, Melissa Garza Flores, Sir Gibson, >> Dea Godinz, Jaden Gonzalez,
>> [cheering] >> Ferling Gonzalez, Quuevas, Juliana Gonzalez, Fernandez, Ashika Gopal, [applause] Jalia Grant, Cyro Green, [cheering] >> Ryan Griffin,
Angie Gueros, Menes, [cheering] Diana Gutierrez, Charlene Gutierrez, >> Jazelle Guzman, >> Misel Guzman, [cheering] >> Ja Henkins, Jaden Henry Gerald,
>> Kevin Heras Bernardino, [cheering] >> Gia Hernandez, Peter Hernandez, is [cheering] Jimea Hernandez Aguilar Brenda Hernandez Celia Victoria Hernandez Marquez Marangelie Hernandez Martinez,
Abigail Hernandez Ortiz, Darabel Hernandez Ortiz, Stephanie Herrera Zeniga, Abdil Herrera Osorio Maya Hario Rosa Savannah Hill Malia Hogans
[cheering] Molly Holderbomb, >> Nyla Hutchinson, [screaming] Rashawn Hutchinson, Lamb Quinn, Aaron Ender, [cheering]
Muhammad Ishtak, Ariel Jackson, >> Jake Jacobson, >> Congratulations Isad >> Ryan Jquz, >> Fernanda Gimenz, Cababaytoro, >> Jamila Gimenez, Colado,
Remy Gimenez, Guzman, >> [cheering] >> Nikai Jones, [screaming] >> Jennifer Joseph, >> Allison Huarez Vasquez. Come up on the other side. >> Yep. Emanuela Canterakis, George Canterakis,
[cheering] >> Nabia Kareem, >> Brett Ketro, [cheering] >> Fred Kusher, Sappa Khan, >> Aiden Kim, [cheering] >> Sophia Kim, [cheering] >> Kalia King,
Camry Knight, >> Keith Knight, Kayen Koko, Odilia Kumson, >> Sedarth Krypalani, Dennis Kubie III, >> Madison Quatt, Sherwinsley Laughler, Hazel Laauo,
Isabelle Jona Lugan, Emmanuel, Leon Iris, Derek Leven, Malik Lewis, David Lewis, [cheering] Ryan Liverado, Craig Laughler, Annerelli Lopez,
Bailey Lopez, Damen Lopez, Darius Lopez, Camarillo, Ethan Lopez Gomez, [cheering] Camila Lopez Luna Jamie Laurenana Aiden Christopher Lustre
Wilmer Lazeriaga Isan Machavaram, >> Zachariah Mackey, [cheering] >> Elelliana Madera, >> Brian Maldonado, [cheering] Abinav Malipati, >> Henry Mana,
Brandon Mensil, Mercedes, Destiny Marmalleos Perez, Zavier Marquez, >> Isabella Martinez, [cheering] >> Mason Martinez, >> Yuriel Martinez, [cheering] [applause]
Gerard Martinez Lopez, Duce Martinez Palma, >> Rebecca Martinez, Kee, Britney Martinez, Martinez, Zoe Matthew, Adai Maul, Isabella Mazaros, Esther Conte, >> Maya McDuffy,
>> Ashen Meta, Jaden Melendez Torres, Shelby Makita, Amamira Miles, Caleb Mills, Yanerys Monro Vasquez, [screaming] >> Mariah Montgomery, >> Saul Morales, Martinez, >> Madison Morris,
Genesis Motor Angel Baltazar Moaniano Agira Jeremy Munoz Martinez >> [cheering] >> Isabella Narvay Jaden Narvasz Ortiz Gabriel Nathan Sophia Ing
Preston Noo-Noo [cheering] Angel Abakay, Vagellet, Oshoa, Escalante, Davis, Oetum, Emily Oliver, A Ian Scott Alenu Susan on Alexander Oros Copazan
Osho Stanh Hope Otun Austin Outcalt Travis Outc cults, >> Ava Periq, Aya Ready Parein, [cheering] Ana Patel >> [cheering] >> Nikosh Patel,
>> Ria Patel, Sllo Patel, Tapacia Patel, Avery Oh, Alexander Pagero Deara, [cheering] >> Khloe, Pelerero Rosa Panado Amante, >> Dariel Peralta,
[applause and cheering] >> Mia Perez, Guzman [screaming] Aaliyah Perry, >> Jon Panetta Estrada, [cheering] [applause] >> Ryan Polard, [applause] >> Anna Pradan,
Eli Pyram, [cheering] Yia, Keelles, [cheering] Jonathan Cano, James [applause and cheering] Sri Cavi Ramasami, Miguelangelo Ramirez, Nicolas,
[cheering] Roamos, Trigeros, Porti Rothi, Shayon Ratliffe, Taha Raymond, Adrien Ray, [cheering] Jier Ray, Galindo,
Isabella, Riano, Zoro, Mila Richard, Gracelyn Roberts, [cheering] Haley Rodriguez, >> Jaden Rodriguez, Jaceli Rodriguez, Andre Felipe Rodriguez Morales.
[screaming] >> Oh, there you are. Okay. >> Did you call her already? You called Jayen. >> Oh, don't hug her. Hi, Jayen. Jayen Roas Rodriguez. Jeanluca Roman, Josiah Roman, [cheering]
Ian Rossario, [cheering] Matt Rosetta, Kylie Rubio, Tristan Russell, >> Emily Sz, Lordina Saki Ehan, >> Ryan Salum, >> Idris Samu,
[cheering] Daffany Sanchez, >> Marie Sanchez, [screaming] >> Adrien Santiago, >> Anthony Santiago, [cheering] >> Allison Santiago Ramirez, Kevin San Vanz Manoreno
[cheering] Giovani Santos, >> Ethan Safo, >> Edward Sar, Lewis Chavez, is >> Jordan Schiffman. >> I'm holding >> Dorian Scott Faraja Cece.
[cheering] Liam Schutz, >> Amishka Singh, >> Brooklyn Surmans, [cheering] Shivraj Sony [cheering] Oralo Sosa Perez, >> Abai Shriant, [cheering]
[applause] >> Anika Shri, Vasta, Zakai Stton, Tanmai Sudarin, [screaming] >> for Suma, >> Janiah Swindell, Alexis Ray Tatlong, Hari, Arya Tati,
Arishia Takir, [screaming] Juliani Tiveras, Fernandez, Matthew Teada, [cheering] Benjamin Thompson, Jake Toeer, Adelfie Torres, Emanuel Torres,
Relie Torres, Diaz, Joshua Trusale, [cheering] Adrien Tong, Abdul Majjid Té, Jose Martine Ushina, Eduardo Valdez, >> Ivan Vargas,
David Vargas, Rodri, Adriel Vasquez, Daniel Vasquez, Kinonz, Lee Vagina, Avananish, Verma, Gerard Vincent, Ricardo Walker, Kaden Walkers,
Blake Williams, >> [cheering] >> Ezekiel Williams, Kayn Williams, [cheering] >> Arjun Yennamandra, Haley Young, >> Bethany Zlaya, Chloe Zhao,
Adalberto Martinez Gomez, Is she going to talk? She's not here to say something. for an hour an hour and 55 minutes. That was the noise of the crowd outside
that couldn't get in. >> Just kidding. Just kidding. Before we recess, I would like at this time to ask our staff members to move into position for the recessional. Okay. Be >> we would like we would like to thank the
many people We would like to thank the many people who worked very hard to make this event a success. Dr. Zakowski and our board of education, the teachers, administrators, buildings and ground staff, and our
secretarial staff. We ask that parents and guests please remain seated until the faculty and students have recessed. Parents and guests are asked to exit using the hallway located to the rear, the right rear. You may meet your
children outside on the sidewalk. The recessional this evening will be performed by our seventh grade band and orchestra under the direction of Mr. Christopher English. Would everyone please rise as you are able? Ladies and gentlemen, the MBTMS class of
2026. [cheering] [applause] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. HEAT. HEAT. [music] >> [music] >> HEAT. [music]
HEAT. >> [music] >> Heat up [music] here. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat.
[music] Number one. One, two, one. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. STOP. Let me jump. about