BRICK TOWNSHIP — More than 250 Brick Township High School seniors received their diplomas at the school’s commencement ceremony on Wednesday at Keller Memorial Field.
The class of 2025 entered the field and found their seats as they walked through an American flag-lined walkway, with “2025” displayed on the scoreboard behind them. Seniors wore caps, gowns, cords and stoles, while family and friends in the audience came bearing flowers, balloons and the occasional cardboard cutout of the senior they were supporting.
The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by the school’s ROTC cadets, followed by a performance of the national anthem by the school’s choir.
School principal David Kasyan led the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of relationships and connections, and celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments.
“It is evident that this class, more than any other, has exemplified our core value of pride — not just in personal success, but in a shared identity and collective responsibility to our community,” he said. Kasyan pointed out specific initiatives led by the graduating class, such as involvement in the local Little League, senior centers and elementary pre-K programs.
He concluded his speech with a congratulatory message to the class of 2025.
“As dragons, you leave Brick Township High School not just with knowledge, but with strength — the strength to rise above obstacles, to see beyond the moment and to burn bright with purpose,” Kasyan said. “Congratulations Class of 2025.”
The graduation ceremony was initially supposed to be held at 2 p.m., but was rescheduled to 2:30 p.m. because of inclement weather.
Thomas G. Farrell, superintendent of schools, was not present at Brick Township High Schools commencement ceremony due to the time change. Susan McNamara, Brick Township Public Schools’ director of planning, research and evaluation, spoke at the ceremony on behalf of Farrell.
“You are not just walking across this field graduating, but rather you are stepping into the next chapter as ambassadors for this community and this community’s values,” she said. “Go forward with confidence, go forward with purpose and always carry your grit, determination, pride and tradition that make Brick Township such a special place to call home.”
Salutatorian Ava Albanese reminisced on sentimental moments throughout her academic career — like awaiting snack time in kindergarten and participating in the “color run” in middle school — in her address to her classmates.
“All of the doors are just now opening to begin anew and work towards who you want to be, never forgetting the lessons you’ve learned and friendships you’ve forged here at BTHS,” Albanese said. “You are the author of your own story, so turn the page and start writing.”
She congratulated her classmates on “closing this chapter of (their) lives” and concluded with a heartfelt message to the class of 2025.
“It has been a pleasure growing up with you and watching you all soar,” Albanese said. “I know you will all go on to do great things, and want you to know that there are always people in your corner.”
The Brick Township High School choir performed for “the last time as a Dragon,” said Kasyan, leading into the recognition of honor societies and student accomplishments, such as students who received the Seal of Biliteracy or those entering the military.
Valedictorian Matthew Maugeri related his high school activities of the performing arts, bowling and academically rigorous courses to messages and advice for his fellow classmates.
His “seemingly small and insignificant” roles in band, choir and drama showed him the “beauty in the mundane.”
“When you feel your role in your day to day work is less important than others, just remember that there is a purpose to your job, and this job is benefitting someone, somehow,” Maugeri said.
Maugeri reflected on a time he was close to a perfect score of 300 when bowling, but missed the final strike. He used this experience to remind his classmates to be proud of their accomplishments and to never lose their sense of pride.
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