From the Desk of Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro:
A Graduation Message
Today is a beautiful day in our neighborhood! First, I just want to say how proud I am of all the students in Monroe Township. You faced the same challenges as the rest of the world- school closures, quarantine, transition to virtual learning, missing your friends and teachers-yet you overcame, thrived and succeeded. From K-12, you embraced the changes, the technology and showed us that learning can happen in many ways, from anywhere.
To the Monroe Township High School Class of 2020, congratulations! The culmination of 13 years of hard work has paid off. I know that you are disappointed that the second half of your senior year wasn’t what you had planned. You’ve missed some of the traditions and rites of passage, but you have found new ways to celebrate each other and your accomplishments. Virtual academic awards, adopt-a-senior, living room proms, a college signing day video and a township wide clap out; our community has laughed, cried and celebrated along side of you. Whether you are headed to college, military service, professional training, or you are taking a gap year, I challenge each of you to make an impact in your world and to be kind. You are tomorrows leaders and we can’t wait to see where you go from here.
To our MTMS 8th graders and Applegarth, Brookside and Woodland 5th graders-congratulations on your graduation, too. All of you handled your remote learning like a champ and excelled. You and your friends have shared special moments in your school and with your teachers. These friendships and memories will last a lifetime and now is the time to take the next step. Continue to learn and grow. Make a new friend, try something new, challenge each other. You have big shoes to fill. We celebrate your achievements, enjoy your summer.
And to those who are moving up, our Barclay Brook, Mill Lake, Oak Tree Pre-K, Kindergarten and 3rd graders- hooray, you did it! We know you worked really hard this year and you are prepared to embark on a lifetime of learning. As Dr. Seuss reminds us….Oh, the places you will go!
Finally, to our teachers, school staff, parents and caregivers, I applaud you for supporting our students and ensuring the success of all our children. This academic year is like nothing we have ever experienced in our lifetime. At a moment’s notice, you created a new learning environment and worked together to make it successful. I thank you.
Please join us tomorrow night at 7:00pm for a community CLAP OUT to celebrate all our graduates. Congratulations again and best of luck to each of you. We Are Monroe!
--Mayor Jerry Tamburro