Faculty, staff, and students of Passaic County Technical Institute marched into summer with the 53rd annual commencement ceremony. On Thursday, June 22nd, more than 780 seniors processed across the high school’s football field. The atmosphere swirled with the hopes and dreams of a future beyond high school. Cheers circled the bleachers as seniors, urged by the applause of spectators, waved goodbye to a giant inflatable Spike, PCTI’s bulldog mascot. The graduation ceremony welcomed more than 4,000 guests who came out to support this year’s graduating class.
Students of the Class of 2017 hailed from fourteen diversified areas of study and were led by their respective program banners. PCTI’s NJROTC students participated by ushering soon-to-be graduates in the procession and by presenting the flag salute and the National Anthem. The school’s Alma Mater followed and was performed with the help of the Tech Tone Choir, American Sign Language Club students, and graduating seniors.
Class President Tiamera Ellen welcomed everyone, while Co-Vice President Ann Pino addressed those in attendance with the Invocation. Ann also imparted touching words for 2017 Class Advisor, Thomas Woods, who sadly passed away two years ago. Speeches were presented by other class officers as well as by Co-Valedictorians Nirav Kinkhabwala and Kishan Rana, and Salutatorian Samantha Carrillo.
Superintendent Diana C. Lobosco and Principal Dr. Michael Parent congratulated students and addressed the Class of 2017. Joining the festivities were members of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. A special speech was delivered by Freeholder Director Cassandra Lazzara.
Then it was finally time for the Class of 2017 to receive their diplomas from Board of Education President Al Alexander, Vice President Damaris M. Solomon, and Commissioners Glenn Brown and Michael Coscia, as well as Freeholder Director Cassandra Lazzara. Advisors of the Class of 2017 also provided assistance.
The adventure of yet another PCTI class came to end, as they had achieved the much coveted goal of graduation. Congratulations to the great graduating Class of 2017 and best of luck in the future!
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Graduating the 53rd Class of Passaic County Technical Institute Students of the Academy of Finance pose for a pre-graduation photo while wearing lavender ribbons in honor of Class Advisor Thomas Woods.  Seniors of the School of Communication Arts process onto the field, roses in hand, at the beginning of PCTI’s Graduation Ceremony.  Academy of Criminal Justice students celebrate during Passaic County Technical Institute’s graduation ceremony.  PCTI seniors toss their caps into the air at the conclusion of PCTI’s 53rd Graduation Ceremony. |