Hundreds Attend Bell Oaks Graduation

By Chris Concannon

BELLMAWR NJ-Hundreds of parents and family members filled the Bell Oaks All-Purpose Room to capacity for the annual Eighth Grade Commencement June 16.

As the nervous but excited graduates filed in to the traditional \”Pomp and Circumstance,\” the standing room only crowd smiled and snapped scores of photographs.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, Graduate Patrick Sheehan gave the opening address.

Superintendent Annette Castiglione then certified that the entire graduating class of 129 had met all the criteria to be conferred their diplomas, and move on to High School.

Following her remarks, Bell Oaks Principal Anthony Farinelli thanked the staff and introduced the Board of Education (BOE), along with senior faculty and staff.

Whereas everyone who was introduced was applauded, Eighth Grade teachers Edward Beail and Kurt Skibbe drew the loudest and most raucous cheers from the graduates.

Following introductions, Ms. Castiglione, along with Mr. Farinelli, awarded the diplomas, with the aid of BOE President Jody Mangus and Mary Di Mattesa.

The graduates, along with the Bell Oaks Chorale, then joined together to sing \”In Our Children’s Eyes\” by Steven Flagherty.

Dozens of awards were then presented, the majority in memory of past teachers, administrators, students and public officials. Two gentlemen were on hand to present their own.