By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News
On a beautiful, sunny spring evening, all five Triton High School valedictorians and the one salutatorian spoke about the pandemic lessons the Class of 2021 learned and their hopes for the future during Commencement Wednesday, June 16.
“We did it,” Valedictorian Madison Benfield said. “Reflect on your strength to be here on this football field. Focus on the positive memories. Let’s get ready for the new, post-COVID world.”
Madison said it seemed like the theme of the class was “It’s not fair. We had to deal with Zoom boxes and looking at colleges without guided tours. But we learned the importance of leaving a legacy. Change is created through resiliency.”
Valedictorian Nathan Piccolo apologized to his classmates for not being willing to assist them with school work when he was a freshman.
“There is no inherent problem with focusing on getting good grades. But, I didn’t want to help classmates with their homework. I was humbled in my freshman year when I realized I needed help. I found a classmate during Mustang time and he helped me,” said Nathan, adding that he learned to enjoy aiding fellow students.
“As we move on to the new chapter of our lives, let’s help others. That’s what it means to be a Mustang,” he said.
Valedictorian Yatra Patel said, “Home is not a place, but a feeling. Learn from your experience and you will be wiser. I’ve learned not to be ashamed to live in a small house in Bellmawr. We have roots, but only you know when it is time to break away.
“You have to give it all you’ve got, and embrace life. Know when it is time to plant a new seed somewhere else.”
Valedictorian Emily Perez spoke of her fear of driving. “I avoided the test as long as I could. But then a switch flipped in my brain and I let go the weight of my negative thoughts. When I passed the test, I got my first taste of independence.
“The scariest bully is ourselves. I doubted myself, and made myself afraid. But, you can emerge as the hero as long as you think you can. Being a Triton Mustang means you can achieve your goals and dreams.”
Valedictorian Jason Tran said, “COVID taught us that life isn’t fair. I lost a swim meet because my opponent had a height advantage. I was frustrated. But then I realized there were things I could control.”
Jason practiced hard, focused on flip turns and breathing, and started to win races in the pool.
“Celebrate you accomplishments. Cherish your memories. Continue to move forward.”
Salutatorian Erin Sommers said, “We lived through a once in a lifetime pandemic. This was not the four years we were expecting. But now we are on this football field experiencing a mostly normal graduation.
“Everything changed in junior year. Most of us never heard of the word Zoom. But, we learned the art of perseverance Thank you Class of 2021. I am so proud of you.”
After performances by the Triton School Band and a powerful rendition of “You Will Be Found” by the Triton Concert Choir and the Tri-Tones Acapella Group, Principal Melissa Sheppard announced that Triton seniors in the Class of 2021 earned more than $3 million in scholarships for their future education. Then she announced the Mustang of the Year – Erin Sommers.
The students and their families cheered. Sheppard said Erin will receive a $2,500 scholarship as part of the award, provided by Billy McElroy and Jay Parker of CrossCountry Mortgage.
Finally, the 235 members of the Triton High School Class of 2021 walked up proudly to receive their diplomas. The survived the pandemic, and are looking forward to the future.
