Schools

The first 182 members of the Franklin High School Class of 2020 graduated July 13, although not in the manner they envisioned last September. Coronavirus concerns nearly scotched any semblance of a traditional graduation; district and school officials initially crafted a “virtual” ceremony with no “in-person” component. But Gov. Phil Murphy’s recent Executive Orders allowing for larger outdoor gatherings than …

Cedar Crest College celebrated the Class of 2020 virtually this year by providing students with a message from President Elizabeth Meade, posting online pictures, and creating a website dedicated to the graduates. The website can be found by visiting: https://www.cedarcrest.edu/may9/index.shtm. Hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students graduated. Marissa Madson, of Somerset, graduated with a degree in Theatre. Ithaca College student Danielle …

Three township residents were among 46 Raritan Valley Community College Class of 2020 graduates who received academic awards this year. While the annual reception honoring the recipients was cancelled because of COVID-19, the accomplishments of these students were recognized as part of the College’s Commencement program. The township residents honored were: Manawwar Sayed Roshan in Business Management – MIS.Jomil London …

One of the 8th Graders’ cars decorated for the graduation ceremony. In the second of two days of “drive-by” graduation ceremonies, the Central Jersey College Prep 8th Grade class formally became high schoolers on June 23. Sitting in their parents’ cars – many of which were decorated – the students heard several speeches, including one by class Valedictorian Kristin McNally, …

In a non-traditional cap to a non-traditional school year, Kindergartners and 5th Grade students at Central Jersey College Prep Charter School were given drive-by “graduation” ceremonies June 22 at the school. The drive-by ceremony was necessitated by the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before allowing limited in-person graduation ceremonies, Gov. Phil Murphy approved the drive-by variety. Students and their …

The school district administration anticipates the state will impose limits on how many people may be in school buildings come September, and is working now to develop a plan. As part of that work, the district has published an online poll for parents, asking a variety of questions geared to help administrators devise a plan for when schools reopen. The …

Queena Bergen and Kim Hill (left to right in “Franklin Warriors” t-shirts) put together a special Virtual Reality presentation for the FHS Class of 2020. Franklin High School seniors have begun the first phase of their graduation observance, which could be called “giving and taking.” Students driving up to the front of the school, in the bus drop-off lane, stop …

Assumption College has announced that Colleen Kurtz of Somerset, Class of 2020, has been named to the College’s Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester. Students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 for a five-class, 15-credit semester to be included on the prestigious list, which is announced at the completion of the fall and spring semesters. She was also one …

Franklin High School principal Frank Chmiel details Class of 2020 graduation plans in a YouTube video. A series of in-person “mini-graduations” starting on July 13 will comprise the Franklin High School Class of 2020’s graduation celebration. The details of how graduation will be observed this year were discussed by FHS principal Frank Chmiel in a YouTube video released on June …

Assumption is honoring 80 students who have been recognized with departmental honors, special awards, and Augustine Scholarships, academic awards for those who excel in their field of study. Colleen Kurtz, Class of 2020, of Somerset, received the departmental award for criminology. University of the Cumberlands has conferred degrees to the Class of 2020, including Jyothi Kumar Emmadishettyof Somerset, who received their Master of Science …