JACKSON – It was graduation day for students of the Regional Day School. The Class of 2022 entered the school’s all-purpose room wearing caps and gowns in the colors of their home schools. Family, friends, staff and fellow students cheered them on.
The NJ Regional Day School at Jackson is a state special education school managed by the Manchester Township School District.
School officials honored five students on June 10. They included Joey Abate of Manchester Township HS, Arielle Carrieri of Toms River HS South, Sean Kane of Plumsted Township HS, Amy Kolodziej of Jackson Memorial HS, and Christopher Wright of Southern Regional HS.
Manchester Superintendent of Schools, John Berenato, provided the keynote address, stating, “Regional Day is a special place, one of my favorite places to be.
“Today, we celebrate your achievements as you begin the next chapter of your journey. You’ve worked hard; you’ve given it your all. Sometimes it was easy and sometimes difficult, but you persevered. To the class of 2022, I wish you the best of luck as you move forward with whatever lies ahead,” Berenato added.
The superintendent told the graduates to “enjoy the small victories, relish the moments that make you smile, and build character. Change is good. You are destined to achieve great things. Congratulations! We are very proud of you.”
The Manchester Township Administrator’s Unit, the Manchester Township Education Association, and the staff at Regional Day provided gifts to the students. They also received numerous awards from their teachers, recognizing accomplishments in outstanding behavior, sports, and more.
Each graduate was presented with a diploma from their home school as well as a certificate from Regional Day School.
Diane Mangold played a flute solo of “What a Wonderful World” in tribute to the graduates and additional music was provided by a quartet of members of the Manchester Township High School band. Graduates and guests were also treated to a touching slideshow of photos of each of the graduates throughout their years at Regional Day.
Regional Day School Principal Lisa Michallis concluded the ceremony, saying goodbye to the graduates and wishing them all a bright future.
