BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

JACKSON - More than 700 seniors in the Jackson Memorial High School Class of 2007 will celebrate their graduation at 4 p.m. June 15 with a ceremony at the school's John Munley Field.

In case of inclement weather, the graduation will be divided into two groups for ceremonies at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the JMHS Fine Arts Center.

"Having attended Scholarship Night and listening to the accomplishments and the variety and types of schools that our seniors will be attending, I am extremely proud," Superintendent of Schools Thomas Gialanella said. "For four years their goal has been their diploma. Now that they have earned it, it becomes an admission ticket for the rest of their lives."

Gialanella said it is with pride and admiration that he congratulates the members of the Class of 2007, who along with the assistance and support of their families, friends and faculty have attained this milestone.

"This graduating class of 2007 has proven to be extremely talented in a variety of areas," JMHS Principal Anthony Gaita said. "They have excelled in the arenas of academics, sports, the arts and performances. If they continue to demonstrate their talents in their chosen fields, I feel confident that they will have many positives to contribute to their communities."

Tara Weigand has earned the honor of being the class valedictorian. Weigand will attend Princeton University and pursue a degree in chemical engineering. Weigand has received a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship and a $500 Ocean County School Boards Scholarship.

"I am honored to be the valedictorian of the Jackson Memorial High School Class of 2007," Weigand said. "It is an accomplishment that I have worked very hard to achieve and I am ecstatic to have finally achieved it."

Rajeev Dave has earned the honor of being the class salutatorian. He will be joining the Liberal Arts School honors program at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. He is undecided on a career, possibly one related to a subject area at the School of Business, but hopes to explore all the different courses of interest to him.

Dave has received a $5,000 annual scholarship and a $1,000 annual Edward J. Bloustein award.

"Being the salutatorian of my class is probably one of the biggest achievements in my life," Dave said. "This honor alone can sum up my academic career and the dedication I have placed into my academics. My family is proud and so am I."

During Scholarship Night, June 7, 160 seniors received approximately $123,750 in scholarships, according to information provided by school district officials.

National Merit Finalist awards were presented to Travis Martindate and Tara Weigand, while three students, Jessica Derenzy, Colleen Gorr and Rebecca Riley, achieved National Merit Commended Student Awards.

Receiving National Achievement Program Awards were Kofi Frimpong and Emeka Okparaeke.

Michael Lisuzzo received the National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar Award.

Departmental awards were presented to 17 students: English - Rajeev Dave; Family and Consumer Science - Megan Farrell; Social Studies - Brian Cohen; Air Force Junior ROTC - George Erickson; Mathematics - Misheel Jargalsaikhan; Computer Science - Marc Ackerman; Science - Misheel Jargalsaikhan; French - Erin Haughee; German - Tanya Schultz; Spanish - Michalina Zemel; Business - Melissa Redmond; Technology - David Chesley; Physical Education - Colleen Gorr and Robert Olivier; Art - Jonathan Balog; Instrumental Music - Lauren Delesky; and Vocal Music - Colleen Gorr.

Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars Program honors were presented to JMHS seniors Erica Barthelemy, Alfred Gan, Anthony La Rocca, Benjamin Rodkey, Lindsay Bednarz, Colleen Gorr, Travis Martindale, Marissa Sharenow, Daniel Breslin, Grant Gourley, Stephanie Monesson, Amanda Smith, Samuel Corman, Erin Haughee, Robert Olivier, Tara Weigand, Rajeev Dave, Carolyn Hickey, Amanda Panitch, Cassie Williamson, Dolores Deluca, Misheel Jargalsaikhan, Christopher Pelligra, Jessica Derenzy, Sunny Kalola, Christina Perret, Kofi Frimpong, Jennifer Kraft and Rebecca Riley.