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Mariner grads accept diplomas at Harborside

By Staff

When Mariner High School Senior and class president Dakota Sica lost a family member during his sophomore year, he said he found reinforcement where he least expected it.
“I found support in the most unexpected places, in Mariner’s teachers, staff, and faculty,” Sica said. “They gave me hope.”
Sica welcomed the 22nd graduating class of Mariner High School during their ceremony at Harborside Event Center on Sunday. He was but one of the 376 seniors accepting their diplomas.
“Every student here has contributed to our school’s success,” Sica added.
Along with class officers, Summa Cum Laude students had the opportunity to share their thoughts with fellow classmates.
Signe Thomas, who graduated with a 5.66 GPA and attended night classes at Edison State to obtain college credit, was like most of her classmates who thought high school would simply go on forever.
“For all of the nights studying until three a.m., I never though high school would end,” she said. “But if you don’t write down your goals, they’re only dreams.”
Mariner Principal Erik Cioffi joined the school four years ago, when the graduating class were mere freshmen.
Like his students, he too was a bit awed when he first made his way across campus. As a result he felt tied to the 2009 class, telling them he loved them and would miss them.
“Four years ago I was a bit wide eyed too, but we went through it together,” Cioffi said.
During his farewell address to his fellow classmates, Summa Cum Laude student Renato Proia targeted the memories they shared, how they are now able to trace where they came from to where they are now going.
“I want someone to pinch me,” Proia joked. “Are we graduating today?”