The evening commenced with Assistant Principal Rick Feltry welcoming attendees to the class night ceremonies, urging guests to maintain decorum.

A highlight of the evening was the address by class valedictorian Bava Bardage. Bardage took the podium to express gratitude to teachers, staff, and families for their unwavering support during the students’ middle school journey. Reflecting on the past two years, Bardage spoke candidly about the challenges and cherished moments encountered during middle school. He quoted Kendrick Lamar, emphasizing the importance of living life authentically and embracing challenges. Bardage’s speech resonated with his peers as he acknowledged the forthcoming opportunities for growth and self-discovery in high school.

Following Bardage, Bonnie Singh returned to offer her insights, describing middle school as the “awkward middle child of the education system.” Singh shared valuable lessons she learned: resilience in the face of failure, the necessity of confidence, and the enduring impact of kindness. She humorously noted the importance of deodorant, drawing laughter from the audience. Singh’s speech encouraged her classmates to cherish their remaining time in middle school and to create positive memories.

Superintendent Janet Ciarrocca addressed the gathering, reinforcing that while the ceremony was not an official graduation, it represented an important rite of passage. Ciarrocca commended the students for overcoming challenges and reminded them of the greater independence and responsibilities awaiting them in high school. She urged them to engage with their passions through extracurricular activities, expressing excitement about their future accomplishments.

Principal Richard H. Silva, Jr. followed with words of appreciation for Superintendent Ciarrocca, acknowledging her impending retirement and contributions to the school community. Silva remarked on the day’s significance, noting the transition from middle school to high school and the arrival of summer. He expressed pride in the students’ achievements and their readiness to embark on the next academic chapter.

An anecdote shared during the ceremony, depicting a fishing trip before a hurricane, illustrated the unpredictability of life and the importance of preparation and resilience. The speaker urged students to focus on what they can control, avoid panic in difficult situations, and surround themselves with supportive people. This message underscored the evening’s theme of resilience and readiness for future challenges.

In a ceremonious moment, the speaker certified that the North Brunswick Township Middle School class of 2025 had met the requirements mandated by the North Brunswick Township Board of Education, prompting applause from the audience. The certification was followed by the official presentation of the eighth-grade class to Superintendent Ciarrocca.

The ceremony transitioned to the presentation of certificates to the graduates, with each student’s name announced to enthusiastic applause from the audience. Staff members moved into position for the recessional. Acknowledgments were given to various staff members for their contributions to the event’s success, highlighting the collaborative effort involved.