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Schools

Growing Up Fast, Proud: Bayshore Middle School Graduates 256 Students

A good bye bid by administration for graduates to keep Bayshore in their hearts

The 256 proud eighth grade Middletown students of Bayshore Middle School's class of 2011 graduated Wednesday in a commencement ceremony in Brookdale Community College's Collins Arena, Lincroft.

The high school-bound students received diplomas and awards, and were honored by administrators, teachers, and their families and friends.

"Before you sit a group of young men and women who are scholars, athletes, musicians, friends, and leaders," said principal Carol Force, to the audience. "It is my sincere hope that they will always keep Bayshore in their hearts in the future."

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"My farewell message is that it is important to realize that you are making your own memories now," she said, addressing the graduates. "Your choices will determine what kind of memories you have. I hope one day you can look back on the fulfilling life you start creating for yourselves now. Remember that dreams don't just come true on their own — you must put great effort into them."

Force bade the students good bye, and recognized someone else graduating Bayshore in a sense, science teacher Frank Lawlor, who is retiring after 38 years.

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Student speaker Josh Hare quoted Robert E. Lee's bit of wisdom that the education of a man is never completed until we die. 

"Bayshore is home to our fondest memories. Thank you all for everything you have done here. Good luck to the class of 2011, and never stop moving forward." Hare said.

"Don't cry that it's over," said the second student speaker Danielle Curtis, "but smile because it happened. Growing up is natural. Everyone does it. Don't worry about what you leave behind."

Patch wishes all the graduates good fortune in the years ahead. See the sights of the graduation in the photo gallery above, and a list of award winners below.

Teacher of the Year

Jennifer Goeckel (special education)

Academic Achievement Award for highest grade point average

Cassidy DeStefano

Bayshore Service Awards

Sam Ballard, Danielle Curtis, Evelyn Daly-Forsyth, Mara Haeger, Samantha Moorzitz, Samantha Pfeffer, Brianna Pruden, Emily Rathburn, Anastasia Shekhter, Dana Siclare

Daughters of the American Revolution Awards

Cassidy DeStefano, Josh Hare

Alpha Delta Kappa Award

Nicholas Ballard

Dorothy Fenichel Award for overcoming challenges

Brittany Maldanado

Department Awards

Language arts: Danielle Curtis, math: Alexa Barriero, science: Anastasia Shekter, social studies: Emily Woods, physical education: Gabby Tsakiris, Spanish: Evelyn Daly-Forsyth, French: Emily Rathburn, instrumental music: Ellie Ward, choral music: Jake O'Brien, technology: Joseph McKenna, art: Brandon Gugliemo

Twenty three students qualified for Triple Honor Award by making high honor roll for every semester over their three years at Bayshore.

Congratulations Bayshore Class of 2011!

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