The North Bergen School District held eighth grade graduation ceremonies on July 14. Beginning at 9 a.m. at Bruins Stadium inside James J. Braddock Park in North Bergen.
They were in-person ceremonies even as many districts in the county opted for hybrid ceremonies, including a drive-thru graduation in Bayonne.
North Bergen is the only district in the state to hold in-person seated ceremonies.
Rewarded with onsite experience
“This was an extremely difficult school year for our students, especially our seniors and 8th graders,” said North Bergen Schools Superintendent Dr. George Solter. “Our students had had to adapt very quickly to a completely new learning environment, and overall I’m extremely proud of how well they handled this very unique situation. The ceremonies allow our students to regain a sense of normalcy during very abnormal times. I commend them all for their perseverance and hard work and wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors.”
The graduations were divided into four ceremonies. First Horace Mann School at 9 a.m.; Lincoln and Franklin Schools at 11 a.m.; Robert Fulton School at 1 p.m.; and Kennedy and McKinley Schools and Robert Fulton Annex at 3 p.m.
Students walked in and sit with their parents, at least six feet away from their fellow classmates and their families. Face masks were required.
“I thought it was crucial to hold an in-person ceremony for our graduating classes,” said North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “Our children deserved a proper recognition for excelling during very difficult circumstances, and what better way to celebrate than with their classmates and parents in person. I congratulate each and everyone of them for a truly remarkable job.”
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