PHS Class of 2011 Prepares to Say Goodbye

As seniors get ready to don their caps and gowns and gear up for graduation day, they may be feeling a mixed bag of emotions. But soon-to-be graduates of Parsippany High School say they’re also confident knowing that high school has provided them with the essential building blocks that will shape their future.

“I’m excited to start a new step in my life, but at the same time I’m nervous because it’s a big step,” said PHS senior and athlete Kelsey Principe, who will be going to William Paterson University and plans to play softball. “I think in a way, all of my classes have prepared me for the real world.”

Principal Natalie Betz said the focus at the High has always been and continues to be on diversity and service to the community. She said the students at PHS are extremely well-rounded and often go over and above their normal course load— taking on multiple tasks—in order to help others in the community. She added that many fundraisers are held, and students choose which causes to donate to in an effort to drive home the importance of building moral character.

Betz believes that integrity is a key component for leadership, and that the many community-based opportunities that seniors participate in provide them with understanding and caring for others as they graduate high school and settle into their careers and their lives.

“I wish them success, happiness and health as they continue on to the next chapter of their journey,”said Betz of this year’s graduating seniors. “Celebrate that journey, because each chapter brings its own meaning and experience, and they should embrace that.”

Ray Scalfani, PHS senior and athlete said he’s happy and scared at the same time since graduation “is a crazy step.” Scalfani will be going to Berkley College where he’ll be playing soccer. “Achieve everything you’ve always wanted, nothing’s impossible,” he said.

Amanda Ferrise said she’s all at once excited, overwhelmed and sad about graduating. She’ll attend Montclair State College, but first she plans to spend as much time as possible with her friends before they all go their separate ways.
The reality is that these young adults are entering the next chapter of their lives in an era of ever-increasing college tuition, high unemployment and an uncertain job market.

PHS Student Advisor Jen Fedo said not all graduating seniors are realistic about the state of the economy.

"It’s difficult for them to comprehend until they’re out there experiencing things first hand,”she said.

With regard to the shock for graduates entering the real world with “real” bills and “real”responsibilities she said “some things can’t be taught, you have to learn from experience.”

Most students aren’t thinking about that just yet. Right now they’re eager to toss aside their textbooks and at long last relax and enjoy the summer months—even though this year will be different than in years past, because they will be leaving behind some long-time friends and teachers who have inspired them.

According to Fedo, most seniors are excited and a little nervous about graduating, but they definitely have a positive attitude. She said she would recommend community college for a student who is undecided about their future or unsure what to do after graduation. That way they can get a feel for what interests them, and find out what their strengths are.

“Students should just do their best, that’s all they can do. Everyone’s different and no one should feel like they need to follow in anyone else’s footsteps,” said Fedo.

Student Advisor Dana Truszkowski agrees. She said it’s okay if seniors don’t know what they want to do right now, because college or life experience will give them a better idea. Though college might be the assumed next step for graduating seniors, she said it isn’t for everyone and they should do what’s right for them.

“They should follow their hearts and experience life for themselves,” she said.

PHS’s graduation ceremony takes place June 22 at 9:30 a.m. at George P. Johnson Field (behind the high school on Vail Road). Valedictorian Mandi Liu and Salutatorian Nicole Lock will give speeches, along with Class President Shabnam Jalallar, who plans to go to Fairleigh Dickinson University after graduation.

“Always reach for the stars,” Jalallar said. “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.”