William Floyd High School celebrates summer grads

On Friday, Aug. 25, William Floyd High School held the summer school graduation ceremony for the 30 newest members of the Class of 2023.

Gathered with family, friends, faculty, staff, administration and members of the board of education, graduating seniors celebrated the capstone of their K-12 education and received their high school diplomas, which will open doors to the next chapter of their journey whether college, careers, or the military.

After the ceremonial processional, the presentation of colors by members of the William Floyd High School NJROTC led by new senior chief Andrew DiDonato and a student-led recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Jada Robles, summer school co-principals John DeBenedetto and David Quartarone congratulated the graduates and their families on this joyous occasion.

“Graduation day is a day like no other,” said DeBenedetto. “It’s a milestone event in one’s life, a day that brings with it a great sense of joy and celebration. Today, we are celebrating the completion of your high school career and recognizing your character as a person. The characteristics you displayed this summer: determination, perseverance and humility, were the guiding forces which propelled you to graduation.”

Quartarone encouraged the graduates to outwork their competition, learn from their failures and use them as a steppingstone to success, and to help others when possible. “Today is the first day of the rest of your lives. Make it a good one and try to apply some of these time-tested words of wisdom along the way,” he said. “I, along with your Floyd family, congratulate you and look forward to hearing about all of your accomplishments in the years to come; and always remember, stay ‘Floyd Strong.’”

Kevin Coster, superintendent of schools, William Floyd School District, credited parents, caregivers, and families for their roles in helping this group of graduates achieve this milestone moment in their lives. Addressing the newest alumni, he said, “The pathway that you took to get here doesn’t matter, because in the end, you are the winners of this race. I respect and admire you. You worked hard and didn’t quit on yourselves—you earned your high school diploma. Anywhere you go in this world, no one can ever take that away from you. Congratulations!”

Class of 2023 August graduates include: Antonio Ardolino, Alex Carmichael, Jaan Chaudri, Kimberly Diaz Castro, Brenden Fritz, Fany Galeas Munguia, Jennifer Granados Zelaya, Patricia Geuvara Del Cid, Isaiah Hardy, Nicole Hernandez, Perla Huertas Ortiz, Noah Kramer Vega, Ryan Marx, Christopher Melvin, Joseph Modena, Joshua Morris, Tariq Nix, Chance O’Connor, Hector Pereira Gamez, Darlyn Perez Bautista, Angela Perez Martinez, John Quito Barbecho, Antonio Reid, Kleberson Reyes Velasquez, Jada Robles, Hailey Slusser, Noah Slusser, Tyquez St. Fleur, Honest Thompson and Luis Xol Punay.

Congratulations, William Floyd High School Class of 2023!