Olivia Palutis Three seniors graduating from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, gave inspiring thanks and appreciation comments to faculty, family and friends at the MAST graduation on Pershing Field on Fort Hancock Friday.
Each of the three showed the students’ appreciation for the unique setting for their education, one noting moving from building to building in all kinds of weather is not the normal high school experience.
Gregory Eklanovich gave his reflections on his four years at MAST with a theme of looking back to The Past; Senior class president Olivia Palutis welcomed the crowd to the ceremony and expressed the first of many thanks to parents and faculty, and Russell Karshmer gave the closing remarks at the end of the hour long ceremony, with his accent on the importance of light and the impact of the lighthouse on MAST students.
The ceremony itself went off flawlessly, with the graduates and faculty praising MAST’s custodial staff. The staff had erected the tent and set up all the chairs for the 66 graduates and all the guests last Thursday evening in preparation for the 9 a.m. ceremony. However, the heavy winds and storm that came through Monmouth County knocking out power, downing trees and halting trains in their tracks also blew down the tent set up for graduation. Graduates thanked their custodians for their quick work in reassembling the event on the historic parade grounds.
Olivia Palutis of Ocean Township was one of the five MAST graduates who received appointments to the US Naval Academy at graduation, with Pete Engleman, a 1975 graduate of the Naval Academy and MAST’s Blue and Gold Officer, a liaison between applicants and the Academy, making the presentations during the ceremony.
Olivia, who runs middle distance for Ocean Township High School, is the Shore Conference champion in the 400m hurdles event and was recruited to the Academy for the cross country and track and field teams.
But the graduate, in her brief talk, in addition to thanking everyone for “making the drive out to Sandy Hook on this beautiful morning to honor us, the class of 2025,” welcomed everyone to the ceremony and expressed more thanks by saying:
“First, let us all acknowledge and thank our teachers and staff here at MAST who have guided us and taught us everything we know, from how to dissect a shark to complex math problems I still don’t understand how to do.” She then in good humor cited her teacher, Mrs. Kathy Tomalesky, with a “Love you, Big Tom!” and added “your dedication and commitment has propelled us towards success in our future endeavors.”
Turning back to the crowd, the graduate continued “Today is as equally important to us grads as it is to the families. From waking up at ungodly hours to make the 5:45 bus, to driving back to MAST the second we get home for a project night, we honestly couldn’t have done any of it without you. Your unwavering support, sacrifices, and encouragement have played a crucial role in our success. Thank you for constantly being a pillar of support in such an important journey. “
Then, addressing the camaraderie and friendship the students have built up over the years, the graduate said, “To my fellow students, and now graduates, today marks a significant milestone in our lives. We have worked tirelessly, overcome challenges, and persevered in order to reach this moment. Our hard work and dedication have brought us here, to graduation, and we should all be incredibly proud of our accomplishments. Throughout our time at MAST, we have not only gained knowledge but also formed lifelong friendships, developed a precise attention to detail, and discovered our passions. These experiences have prepared us to face the future with confidence and courage. As we step into the next chapters of our lives, regardless of whether we remain in New Jersey, flying halfway around the world to Hawaii, or are heading off for the Naval Academy in less than a week, remember that our education does not end here. Continue to seek knowledge, embrace new challenges, and strive for excellence in everything you do. The world is full of opportunities waiting for you to explore and conquer. I have full confidence that all of us will carry the important lessons learned while at MAST into the world, committed to the excellence and fair treatment of all. I know we have the tools and spirit to succeed.”
Finally, Palutis, who is one of the five who is leaving next week to begin life at the Naval Academy for the next four years, concluded, “As we leave the Hook today, no longer members of a school some called home, remember that each and every journey begins with a single step. Be bold, be brave, and never stop believing in yourself, because that first step is always the most difficult. The future is ours to shape. Thank you.”
The applause was overwhelming.
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