Stanhope's Class of 2005 moves on

STANHOPE-The new gym at the Stanhope Valley Road School never looked so good. On June 17, the space was filled to capacity with parents, relatives, and friends gathered to celebrate the 47 members of the Class of 2005. Class Secretary Kaitlyn McCarthy reminded everyone of the road that had taken them to the front of the hall. She recalled the students' first day in kindergarten, and, with emotion, their last day as students together. Class President Samantha Parisi reiterated some of those sentiments, and spoke of how they all had all grown up together, mentally as well as physically. "We have learned the world can be a nice place, but not always. We have become more than just friends; we have become a family," said Parisi. Lauren Buonpane, Class Vice President, delivered the farewell address by looking forward to high school when the current Class of 2005 becomes the Class of 2009. The event was marked by several first in the history of the school and the borough. This was the first graduating class to hold its commencement ceremonies in the new school gymnasium. In addition, Mayor Diana Kuncken became the first mayor of Stanhope to speak a graduating class when she delivered the keynote address. The mayor encouraged students take advantage of the opportunity to learn and to use the tools they have been given. The surprise of the evening was a slide show composed of photographs of each and every student. The baby pictures brought "aahs" from the audience, some brought laughter, and most brought tears. "There wasn't a dry eye in the house," said Superintendent Nick Brown.