As the Class of 2025 begins their final few weeks of school, the celebrations continue and we are in "Awards Season" with banquets, awards ceremonies and graduations. Here is an excerpt of my speech to the recipients at the Senior Awards and Scholarship Night held on Wednesday night.
This class — the Class of 2025 means a great deal to me. Over the past four years and for some that I’ve coached in little league, soccer or basketball in the community, I’ve watched them grow not just as students, but as people. I’ve seen them show up for each other, rise to challenges, and leave a lasting mark on our school. They’ve made me laugh, made me proud, and reminded me — time and time again — why the work we do in education matters.
They are more than a class. They are a community, a family, and for me — a constant source of hope. This is a class that has excelled in every way. They’ve stretched themselves academically, taken on challenges with curiosity and grit, and set a standard for excellence in our classrooms. They’ve competed in athletics with passion and resilience — not just chasing victories, but building team cultures grounded in trust and respect. And they’ve shown what service truly means — giving of themselves, time and time again, to lift others up and leave this place better than they found it.
But if you ask me what defines this class most clearly — it’s not just their accomplishments, it’s their connection.
And that connection has been on full display — especially this past week, as they danced the night away at their senior prom. Watching them laugh, sing, and celebrate together wasn’t just a reflection of one great night — it was a symbol of years spent building real friendships, real memories, and a real sense of community. Because I had to kick them off the dance floor, I went with a music theme for my speech tonight.
There’s a reason the words of Bill Withers still resonate after all these years:
“Lean on me, when you're not strong,
And I'll be your friend,
I'll help you carry on.
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.”
This class has lived those words. Whether it was standing by a friend through a tough time, encouraging a classmate who needed a push, or simply showing up — consistently, compassionately, and without fanfare — they’ve been there for each other. And in doing so, they’ve built something rare: a community that cares.
That is what makes their academic success even more meaningful. That’s what makes their athletic victories more complete. That’s what gives their service real depth. They haven’t just gone through high school — they’ve shaped it. They’ve made it feel like home.
Woven through it all has been a mindset, a shared belief that growth comes from challenge. They’ve shown us how to Adapt to the unexpected, how to Evolve through adversity, and how to Excel with integrity and purpose.
As they prepare to take their next steps, we know they’ll carry this spirit into every room, every opportunity, and every challenge ahead. They will rise up with strength, with character and with the leadership they will be recognized for tonight. Using a more contemporary song that the students may be used to, no not Travis Scott, sorry fellas….but as Andra Day sang, they will rise like the day, they will rise unafraid, they will rise up and they will do it a thousand times again….because that is the Golden Panther Spirit…it is the Golden Panther way.
To the Class of 2025 — thank you for rising. For each other. For this school. For our community. For what’s next.
As your name is called and you rise from your seat, take a moment. Hear the applause. Feel the pride. Let it remind you that your hard work, your growth, your journey.......it mattered. It made a difference........and it was worth it. On behalf of Pequannock Township High School, I congratulate all of you and I am so proud of you.
