Jackson Every graduation marks the end of an era, but this year’s commencement service at the township’s two high schools had a more impact than previous ones because it marked the district’s final graduation under those names and in those buildings.
At the recent graduating celebration of Jackson Memorial High School, Superintendent Nicole Pormilli spoke to the graduates, their families, the faculty, and numerous other distinguished guests.
Standing in front of you today on one of the most important occasions in a young person’s life—high school graduation—is an honor. Greetings to the Class of 2025! You’ve succeeded!
She said that today was a day of celebration, pride, and introspection. There is much more to this amazing bunch of graduates than just caps and gowns. We witness young individuals who have overcome adversity, found their passions, and developed their voices.
For the grads, Pormilli said, You have negotiated exams, due dates, extracurricular activities, friendships, and, for many of you, unforeseen challenges that called for bravery and adaptability. A few of you excelled in leadership, STEM, the arts, or athletics.
In more subdued settings, some of you discovered your strength in tenacity, in lending a helping hand to others, and in consistently turning up. Although each road here was unique, they all led to this point. There is more to high school than just what you read in books. It’s about discovering your identity and priorities. She went on to say that the trip doesn’t stop here; it keeps going and changes.
Pormilli added, “I encourage you to keep three things with you as you go into this next chapter, whether it be college, a trade, the workforce, the military, or a route entirely your own:
Curiosity: Continue to learn. facts, but also about people, places, and concepts. Pose inquiries. Try to comprehend.
Courage: You will need to take chances in life. Even if an opportunity scares you, take it. Particularly if they frighten you.
Character: Kind people are just as important to the world as intelligent ones. Be the one who encourages others, leads with compassion, assumes the best, and chooses integrity even when it’s difficult.
Additionally, the superintendent expressed gratitude to the educators and families present. This day would not have been possible without your leadership, encouragement, and faith in these graduates. Your gift of investing in their futures will have a lasting impact.
Jackson Memorial High School has been more than just a structure, graduates. It’s served as a home away from home. It has witnessed arduous education and laughter in classrooms, applause from the stands, silent study sessions, deep discussions, friendships formed in the hallway, and lifelong memories. It has influenced lives, including yours, she remarked.
“You now carry its story forward,” said Pormilli. Although you are Jackson Memorial High School’s last chapter, the tale does not finish with you. Because you are the one who comes next! You are this school’s living heritage. You bring Jackson Memorial with you whenever you aim for greatness, demonstrate empathy, take a chance, or encourage someone.
“Graduates, your story is just getting started,” the superintendent continued. Put it in bold writing. Pormilli advised the last graduating class to live life with meaning and to never forget their roots, their community, their school, and the people who shaped them. You have our utmost pride. We have faith in you and are eager to watch your next move. To the Class of 2025, congratulations!
A variety of changes, including the closing of some schools and the renaming of buildings, are brought about by the School District’s ongoing necessary realignment.
The 2023–24 academic year marked the permanent closure of the Sylvia Rosenauer academic. After the current 2024–25 academic year, Christa McAuliffe Middle academic closed and will either be sold or rented.
Reconfiguration at the Grade Level
Students in grades K–4 will now be taught in five elementary schools. The Jackson Township 5-6 School, which was formerly Carl Goetz Middle School, will contain grades 5 and 6.
Jackson Township Middle School, which is housed in the former Jackson Memorial High School facility and has a Preschool Annex, will be the school for grades 7 and 8.
Jackson Township High School, a single merged high school located on the site of the former Jackson Liberty High School, will serve students in grades 9 through 12.
The Jaguar will be the new mascot of Jackson Township High School, which was formed by the merger of Jackson Memorial High School and Jackson Liberty High School. The school’s colors will be red, black, and gray/silver.
Reasons for Realignment
The fiscal imbalance caused by dwindling student enrollment and reduced state financing is what led to the restructure. Maintaining specific programs and giving students equal chances are the goals of the high school merger.
Board of Education members approved the plan for the 2025-2026 school year and remains focused on supporting staff and students during the transition. In regards to funding disparities, the district has sued the state.
