NJ Asst. Principal Reflects on HS Graduation
By Gina M. Verrone

As we approach the closing months of school, students, teachers, parents and administrators across our great nation will find themselves reflecting on the future of the young adult lives that are a part of the graduating Class of 2002. Students in our high schools today are faced with the challenges and promises of tomorrow. As an administrator, I have been touched by the accomplishments of many students. However it is one student in particular this year who has provided tremendous hope and comfort to many of his peers.

Christopher Cimorelli will be graduating from Pequannock Township High School on June 14. I had the opportunity to sit down with this fine young man and discuss with him his experiences as a high school student and the excitement he is embracing with regard to his future. Chris reflected all the way back to sixth grade and how it was at this time he dedicated himself to going to a military academy. When the question of why was posed to him, he poignantly stated, “I have a desire to make a difference and be in receipt of a prestigious honor.” In wake of the trials our country is facing, I personally want to thank Chris Cimorelli for restoring in me the faith that the work we do as educators most certainly is making a difference. I asked Chris if his desire to serve his country increased after September 11th. Without hesitation, he responded, “This made me want to serve my country more.” While I can cite statistics about Chris, (4.4 GPA, 1310 on the SAT, in the top 5 of his class, Boys' State representative, Peer Leader, National Honor Society member and secretary, Spanish Honor Society member and vice president, boys' track, Concert Choir, varsity football captain and Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar), it is not these figures that separate him from thousands of others who might have a similar profile. It is his strong character and commitment to our country on a daily basis that prompted West Point Military Academy to appoint him membership to the Class of 2006.

When I asked Chris about his heroes he mentioned Eisenhower, Patton, and MacArthur; how they changed history and influenced the United States of America in a more positive way. Heroes may be defined differently by many of us, but Chris' greatest hero has been his father, a lieutenant in the New Jersey State Police, who has instilled in him a tremendous work ethic. Chris is not influenced by titles or names; he respects most what people stand for and their values. As an educator, I am proud to have known the student leader, role model and graduating senior called Christopher Cimorelli. In his own words, “the sacrifices made along the more difficult path will allow a person to achieve more than he or she ever thought possible.”

Gina M. Verrone is an assistant principal at Pequannock Township High School in northern New Jersey.

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