Schools
High School Expectations: Thompson Middle School Graduates 317
Class of 2011 holds commencement exercises at Brookdale on Wednesday morning
The 317 proud young Middletown students of Thompson Middle School's eighth grade class officially graduated today in a commencement ceremony in Brookdale Community College's Collins Arena, Lincroft.
"I'd like to thank all you graduates on behalf of the teaching staff for being here today and for a job well done," said assistant principal Kelly Ford. "We believe in all of you, and we are sad to see you go."
After receiving their diplomas from Board of Education members, students were called up to the podium and recognized for individual academic achievements and awards.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I don't know how they do it but somehow they do," said principal Anne Facendo as she commended the triple honor roll winners. "But these 80 incredible students achieved honor roll for every semester of all three years here."
Graduate soloist Eva Baldo wowed the crowd singing "You Raise Me Up," and the eighth graders in the Thompson Band joined their classmates for the last time to play "Young Eagle March" and "As The Eagle Flies."
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Now you're moving on to high school and I'd like to share some advice with you," said Joan Minnues, president of the Middletown Township Board of Education, closing the ceremony. "Be a leader. Get involved. Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today, and make the most of your high school experience because it is something you will always remember."
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.
Valedictorian
Michaela Altland
Thompson Service Award
Angela DeBartolme, Michaela Altland, Julia Beck, Tara Kinsella, Jill Falvey, Andrew Smith, Jessica Fisher, Nick Koehler, William Morgan, Stephen Kovlevsky
Thompson PFA Award
Madison Curtis, Alex Raguseo, Aiden Josephson, Bryan Andrew
Daughters of the American Revolution Award
Erin Cotterell, Elias Kotsis
Subject Awards
Social Studies: Stephanie Smiescek, Language Arts: Elias Kotsis, Physical Education: William Sperduto, Art: Theresa Astmann, Vocal Music: Eva Baldo, Math: Tim Liu, French: Theresa Astmann, Spanish: Brianna Ciampa, Science: Grace DeSanctis, Instrumental Music: Nick Piescor, Computers: Nicholas Koehler
Congratulations to the Thompson Middle School class of 2011!
