NJ
Asst. Principal Reflects on HS Graduation
By
Gina M. Verrone
As
we approach the closing months of school, students, teachers,
parents and administrators across our great nation will find themselves
reflecting on the future of the young adult lives that are a part
of the graduating Class of 2002. Students in our high schools
today are faced with the challenges and promises of tomorrow.
As an administrator, I have been touched by the accomplishments
of many students. However it is one student in particular this
year who has provided tremendous hope and comfort to many of his
peers.
Christopher Cimorelli will be graduating from Pequannock Township
High School on June 14. I had the opportunity to sit down with
this fine young man and discuss with him his experiences as a
high school student and the excitement he is embracing with regard
to his future. Chris reflected all the way back to sixth grade
and how it was at this time he dedicated himself to going to a
military academy. When the question of why was posed to him, he
poignantly stated, “I have a desire to make a difference
and be in receipt of a prestigious honor.” In wake of the trials
our country is facing, I personally want to thank Chris Cimorelli
for restoring in me the faith that the work we do as educators
most certainly is making a difference. I asked Chris if his desire
to serve his country increased after September 11th. Without hesitation,
he responded, “This made me want to serve my country more.”
While I can cite statistics about Chris, (4.4 GPA, 1310 on the
SAT, in the top 5 of his class, Boys' State representative, Peer
Leader, National Honor Society member and secretary, Spanish Honor
Society member and vice president, boys' track, Concert Choir,
varsity football captain and Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished
Scholar), it is not these figures that separate him from thousands
of others who might have a similar profile. It is his strong character
and commitment to our country on a daily basis that prompted West
Point Military Academy to appoint him membership to the Class
of 2006.
When I asked Chris about his heroes he mentioned Eisenhower, Patton,
and MacArthur; how they changed history and influenced the United
States of America in a more positive way. Heroes may be defined
differently by many of us, but Chris' greatest hero has been his
father, a lieutenant in the New Jersey State Police, who has instilled
in him a tremendous work ethic. Chris is not influenced by titles
or names; he respects most what people stand for and their values.
As an educator, I am proud to have known the student leader, role
model and graduating senior called Christopher Cimorelli. In his
own words, “the sacrifices made along the more difficult path
will allow a person to achieve more than he or she ever thought
possible.”
Gina
M. Verrone is an assistant principal at Pequannock Township High
School in northern New Jersey.
Education
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