The Elizabeth Public Schools summer high school graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, August 1 in the Elizabeth High School – Frank J. Cicarell Academy auditorium. Sixty students fulfilled their graduation requirements over the summer to become members of the Class of 2024, joining nearly 1,800 fellow Elizabeth Public Schools graduates from the district’s eight high schools who received their diplomas in June. Among those who addressed the graduates at the ceremony include New Jersey Senator Joseph Cryan, City of Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Elizabeth Board of Education Vice President Stanley Neron, EPS Superintendent Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer, and Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Jennifer Cedeño. The national anthem was performed by John E. Dwyer Technology Academy Vice Principal Jelsie Basso. Also on stage and in attendance to congratulate the graduates were New Jersey Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, EBOE members Diane Barbosa, Maria Carvalho, Ileana Chevres, Jerry Jacobs, EPS Assistant Superintendent of Schools Judy Finch-Johnson, Director of Elementary and Secondary Education Dr. Daphne Marchetti, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment Amy Gil, Director of Special Projects Dr. Dorothy McMullen, Director of Special Services Dr. Michael Ojeda, Director of Staff Development and Innovative Programs Dr. Kathy Badalis, Director of Student Services Anthony DiDonato, Supervisor of Guidance Melanie Padilla, Principals John Byrne (J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy), George Mikros (Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy), Dr. Mona Wanis (Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy), and Theodore Panagopoulos (Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson STEM Academy), and Vice Principals Dr. Michelle Panichi (Bollwage), Dalia Elrakaybie (Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Academy), Veronica Vega (Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr. Health and Public Safety Academy), and Juan Metrio Sanchez (JVJ).