It was a particularly challenging year to be a high school student, Matawan Regional Principal Michelle Ruscavage told the Class of 2013.
Hurricane Sandy devastated the area in October, leaving many without power for weeks and leaving some without homes. Then, there was the elementary school shooting in Connecticut followed by the bombing at the Boston Marathon.
Each time, students returned to school a bit shaken in search of normalcy, Ruscavage recounted. Each time, however, the senior class was resilient and found a way to have a positive impact.
They hosted several Sandy fundraisers, including a volleyball tournament; they stood strong with the victims from Newtown and Boston; they even raised $92,000 during Relay For Life.
"We have left behind tragedy and heartache to unite as a community," she said to the sea of 265 gray and maroon caps and gowns.
Valedictorian Nairooti Patel's speech echoed the same message of standing strong in the face of overwhelming challenges.
"I believe you only truly appreciate something when you faced adversity to achieve it," Patel said, reflecting on her parents' immigration to America to give her and her siblings a chance at a better life.
Rana Wright, a class of 1996 alumnae, advised the seniors of the importance of being "awesome."
"No matter what you do, what interactions you have with people, you have to think 'Am I being excellent?' For example, every morning I think 'What can I do better today than I did yesterday?'" Wright, an attorney, told the soon-to-be graduates.
The Matawan Regional High School Class of 2013 was also applauded for their academic achievements, which helped make the school land a Top 100 spot in the state and a Top 50 spot in the county.
"You are our hope for a better tomorrow," Ruscavage said.
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