In Your Opinion: Franklin Teaches Children To Make A Difference

by Nancy Lacorte, Somerset.

I attended the 2015 Franklin High School commencement at Sun Bank Arena in Trenton on June 26th. I meant to send this letter sooner but I was celebrating my grandson, Lucas’ first birthday. In fact, it was looking at what the world might become as Lucas graduates high school in 17 years that made me want to write this letter. Every parent wishes they had a crystal ball to know if their child will be happy, healthy, and ready to take on the world. As a Board of Education member, and now an extremely proud grandparent, I feel we are giving our kids the tools they need to survive in the world and make a difference.

I grew up in Franklin Township, moving away for a short time, but something in Franklin called me back. I am proud to live here and to have raised my children here. I celebrate Franklin’s diversity. Over 50 languages are spoken in our homes. There are so many houses of worship from which to choose. We have active farms, million dollar homes, planned communities, active adult communities, multi-family dwellings, low-income housing, small Mom & Pop businesses, Fortune 100 businesses, so many recreational activities from the small pocket parks to Colonial Park to the beauty of the Canal. When you look at the faces of Franklin residents, all the colors of the racial palate are represented. Our neighbors have handicapping conditions or none at all. Our families are traditional, single parents, same sex couples with children, grandparents or guardians raising children, or families with no children at all.