"This group of individuals has surpassed all expectations and has truly continued to raise the bar for all future classes at New Egypt High School," North said. He said 81 percent of the class will continue on to post-secondary studies; the awards, scholarships and grants they have won total in excess of $700,000.

Senior Ruchi Gupta spoke about holding on to memories after everyone has moved on to the next phase of their lives. "As we all gather today to say good-bye to the last four years of the moments, memories and emotions that have made us who we are, let us hope that we are different. The kids who you shared the halls with for a very long time will change, and you will too. Will you think of them as they were or what they could be? We are all the future firefighters, artists, writers, athletes or businessmen of America."

Board of Education President Herb Marinari told the graduates that New Egypt will always be a part of them. "We're all very proud of you and we wish you the best," he said.

Marinari thanked retiring Superintendent Dr. Gerald Woehr for his many years of dedicated service to the Plumsted Township School District. "There have been very, very few events where this gentleman was not present; he has always been there. I consider him to be one of the best things that's ever happened to New Egypt."

Dr. Woehr talked about the district's reputation for excellence. "The number one reason people move to Plumsted Township is because of our schools. During my time, we have built three beautiful buildings for our students. Our wonderful community support and parental involvement has been matched by our excellent teaching and support staff. I will be moving on this year - after 20 years - to work on professonal development training for new superintendents. I leave knowing I did all I possibly could, and look forward to even greater successes in our schools under Mr. North's leadership as the new superintendent."

"I could not be more proud of who you are and what potential you have for the future," Dr. Woehr told the graduates. "In this, my last graduating speech as I retire from Plumsted, I would like to offer you some thoughts that I hope you reflect on: Live your life so that you can look in the mirror and be proud of who you see. Christopher Morley remarked, 'There is only one success in life - to be able to spend your life in your own way.' To live your life in your own way takes thinking and preparation. It requires establishing a goal, and the willingness to work and struggle to conquer all obstacles that stand in your way. Find what you love to do, and see if you can get paid for it. When you spend your days doing a job you love, it isn't work."

"Thank your parents and those who have supported you over the years," Dr. Woehr continued. "Tell them that you love them, and thank them with a kiss. Be sure that part of your life is devoted to service to others; happiness cannot be achieved while living a self-centered or selfish life." He also told the graduates to remember that life is not fair, and "being kind is more important than being right."

Following his speech, Dr. Woehr presented the Governor's "Teacher of the Year" award to English teacher Sandra Montoya.

Montoya encouraged the graduates to set goals and have dreams. She compared planning their adult lives to being in the driver's seat of a vehicle.

"Know where you are going," she said. "Don't drive too fast ... always have an alternate route ... enjoy your successes. When you get lost, always ask for directions. Let your heart be your compass. Never lose sight of your goals and dreams. Remember to drive carefully, buckle your seatbelt, and keep your eyes on the road. You are the future."

"As you travel, I wish you good health, a bit of love and the time to enjoy - Congratulations Class of 2005," Montoya added.

Student Miguel Garces told his classmates that the word commencement means to begin, and their graduation day marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

"We've reached the end of an era," Garces said. "We will never forget the time spent here." He urged the Class of 2005 not to shed tears over their high school graduation; he is hopeful that the growth and accomplishments in the next few years of their lives will enable their graduation from dependence upon their parents.

Just before the New Egypt High School Class of 2005 collected their diplomas, North spoke to them about taking risks and wondering throughout their lives "Am I normal?"

"It takes courage to break through the barrier," he said. "The greatest risk of all is to take no risks. Starting New Egypt High School was a risk. We educate our students to be extraordinary. The goal of New Egypt High School has always been to change the meaning of normal, so normal means being different. I think of the initials 'NE' in New Egypt as standing for 'Never Enough'."