Piscataway High School honored and celebrated the Class of 2025 on Wednesday, June 18, at an impressive 65th Annual Commencement Ceremony at Jersey Mike's Arena on the Rutgers University campus.

The 561 graduates finished their high school careers before thousands of friends, family members, and Piscataway educators in a grand celebration where the recurring theme was reaching for goals and seizing the future.

GRADUATION PROGRAM AND LIST OF GRADUATES

Tanvi Narava, the senior student representative to the Board of Education, spoke to her classmates about finding their passion in life.

“As we all step in to this next chapter – whether it’s college, trade school, the military, or the unknown – keep exploring. Keep chasing what makes you curious, say yes to every new experience, seize every opportunity that comes your way,” she said. “And if it doesn’t, go out and create your own. And above all, do what makes you happy.

“Find light in even the darkest moments, because it’s always there.”

Senior Class President Hayley Opitz shared advice she learned a few years ago.

“Your body doesn’t know the different between being nervous and excited,” she said. “Your mind is what tell it the difference.”

She urged her classmates to use this mindset as a motivator to a great future.

“It’s OK to be nervous, but there’s nothing to fear,” Opitz said. “Choose to be excited; choose to take big strides, because every step you take on your own path toward excellence is important. Dream big, you can do this. I hope to see all the great things we will all accomplish in our great, star-lit future.”

Board of Education President Shantell Cherry greeted the Class of 2024, many of whom she has known for years as they grew up with her son, Justin, who is one of the graduates. She listed a wide variety of colleges the graduates will be attending and noted the $104,000 in scholarships they earned.

“Life is a journey,” she said. “It’s filled with many chapters, but not every one of them will bring you happiness. Stay strong when it gets tough, never give up. Don’t lose hope, because there are many beautiful chapters left in the journey. … Ask yourself if what you are doing today is going to get you closer to what you want to do tomorrow. Keep it positive. A great attitude becomes a great mood, which becomes a great day, which becomes a great year, which becomes a great life of success.”

The night was hosted by Assistant Principal Jonathan Bizzell, who stood on a stage packed with the Board of Education, district administrators, and special guests. He offered a quote shared by educator Donovan Livingston.

“Our stories are ladders that make it easier for us to touch the stars.”

“So it’s up to us to grab them,” Bizzell told the graduates. “Go grab them! … I challenge you to find your ‘why.’ I challenge you to do it with passion. … I implore you to never give up, never count yourself out. You have overcome historical obstacles and you are more prepared for life because of it.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Johanna S. Ruberto thanked the graduates for welcoming her in her short time in the district, and said they set a great tone for Piscataway High School.

“You all can change the world. … Everyone in this arena tonight has a story. What’s your story? Write your story! This town has made an investment in you. Don’t waste it. I am humbled by the power you have. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, ‘I can’t prepare the world for a child, but I can prepare the child for the world.’

“You are ready for the world!”

Principal Chris Baldassano told the graduates the power to shape their future has always been with them.

“The Class of 2025 has already proven what is possible when young people take ownership of their lives. You’ve started clubs, you’ve stood up for justice, you’ve shown compassion. You’ve been leaders on the field, on the stage, in the lab, and in the community.

“So as you prepare to leave this place, ask yourself, what kind of story do you want to write? Who do you want to become when no one’s watching? What kind of impact do you want to leave behind? Then go after it with everything you’ve got.”

Standing on a stage with all the district’s other principals, from preschool to middle school, Baldessano told the graduates to “go forth with the support of the Piscataway family,” calling out all the schools they attended through the years.

“From Children’s Corner to Randolphville, from Grandview to Eisenhower, from Knollwood to Arbor and King, from Conackamack to Schor and Quibbletown, knowing that once a Chief, always a Chief.”