“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.
It was the main event, what the community was waiting for. With little time and few resources, Operation Graduation would be the most talked about red carpet event in the borough.
Filled with the flashes of paparazzi’s cameras, the velvet rope and spotlights, the graduates left their caps and gowns to don “Operation Graduation” t-shirts. Each one was introduced in celebrity style by Thos Shipley and treated as VIPs, as was their right on a night that was the culmination of over a decade of schooling. It was now time to “Party!”
And party they did. With standing room inside the transformed Casano Community Center, they were treated to a buffet of local delicacies donated by community establishments. But this would be just the beginning; as buses arrived to wisk the Roselle Park graduates away to Monster Golf in Union, held open only for them. There they enjoyed endless arcade games, the glowing monster featured putting green and a, popular treat for the grads, Henna Tattoos.
Upon their return they found the Casano Center transformed once again, with table center pieces, a DJ and dance lighting, a photo booth and a full candy and dessert buffet. Outside featured a Paint and Pour session sponsored by Art and Soul Gallery, an outdoor movie with hot popcorn, lawn games under tents from Pretty Good Tent Rental. Indoors the party continued with a candy buffet along with desserts with DJ music and photo booth pictures. As the sun began to rise, the Class of 2015 were awed by the power of suggestion and doubled over in laughter by Hypnotist Derrick Watkins’ hour-long show.
It was a night to remember for the 82 Roselle Park High School graduates. That’s the main story.
But the behind the scenes the story is about how a small group of people, used their talents and gifts and came together for a cause bigger than themselves.
Jodi Bellomo, who was the cog in the wheel that pulled the team together, said it well. “It’s amazing what happens when people work together.“ She added, “I’m grateful to have spent an evening with the Class of 2015 and everyone who was part of Operation Graduation.”
“There are no words that I can use to express the outpouring of generosity and community spirit that people have shown for our youth here in Roselle Park”, noted Operation Graduation member Michelle Mageria Arnold. “Five people who have never before worked together, each with there own tendencies can make the impossible, possible.”
OPGRAD member Sharon Curia took note of the expressions of the graduates. “The kids witnessed concerned parents, citizens, elected officials, and businesses all work together to make the impossible possible. The party was so unique and personal; the kids really felt that and truly enjoyed themselves. They were thanking the adults as they left- there was true appreciation.”
Roselle Park 24/7 Executive Board members, Thos Shipley and Joe DeIorio, were excited to have their non-profit program be an integral part of Operation Graduation.
“It was truly amazing event,” said Thos Shipley. “Seeing all the volunteers come together that night as a cohesive group for a worthy cause is exactly what Roselle Park 24/7 is all about, and what is best about Roselle Park.”
“We hope Roselle Park 24/7 is a catalyst for more people to turn thought into reality,” said Executive Board member and former Mayor Joe DeIorio. He ended, “If the people of Roselle Park can accomplish Operation Graduation, there is little doubt we can accomplish anything if we set our minds and hearts to it,”
“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.
It was the main event, what the community was waiting for. With little time and few resources, Operation Graduation would be the most talked about red carpet event in the borough.
Filled with the flashes of paparazzi’s cameras, the velvet rope and spotlights, the graduates left their caps and gowns to don “Operation Graduation” t-shirts. Each one was introduced in celebrity style by Thos Shipley and treated as VIPs, as was their right on a night that was the culmination of over a decade of schooling. It was now time to “Party!”
And party they did. With standing room inside the transformed Casano Community Center, they were treated to a buffet of local delicacies donated by community establishments. But this would be just the beginning; as buses arrived to wisk the Roselle Park graduates away to Monster Golf in Union, held open only for them. There they enjoyed endless arcade games, the glowing monster featured putting green and a, popular treat for the grads, Henna Tattoos.
Upon their return they found the Casano Center transformed once again, with table center pieces, a DJ and dance lighting, a photo booth and a full candy and dessert buffet. Outside featured a Paint and Pour session sponsored by Art and Soul Gallery, an outdoor movie with hot popcorn, lawn games under tents from Pretty Good Tent Rental. Indoors the party continued with a candy buffet along with desserts with DJ music and photo booth pictures. As the sun began to rise, the Class of 2015 were awed by the power of suggestion and doubled over in laughter by Hypnotist Derrick Watkins’ hour-long show.
It was a night to remember for the 82 Roselle Park High School graduates. That’s the main story.
But the behind the scenes the story is about how a small group of people, used their talents and gifts and came together for a cause bigger than themselves.
Jodi Bellomo, who was the cog in the wheel that pulled the team together, said it well. “It’s amazing what happens when people work together.“ She added, “I’m grateful to have spent an evening with the Class of 2015 and everyone who was part of Operation Graduation.”
“There are no words that I can use to express the outpouring of generosity and community spirit that people have shown for our youth here in Roselle Park”, noted Operation Graduation member Michelle Mageria Arnold. “Five people who have never before worked together, each with there own tendencies can make the impossible, possible.”
OPGRAD member Sharon Curia took note of the expressions of the graduates. “The kids witnessed concerned parents, citizens, elected officials, and businesses all work together to make the impossible possible. The party was so unique and personal; the kids really felt that and truly enjoyed themselves. They were thanking the adults as they left- there was true appreciation.”
Roselle Park 24/7 Executive Board members, Thos Shipley and Joe DeIorio, were excited to have their non-profit program be an integral part of Operation Graduation.
“It was truly amazing event,” said Thos Shipley. “Seeing all the volunteers come together that night as a cohesive group for a worthy cause is exactly what Roselle Park 24/7 is all about, and what is best about Roselle Park.”
“We hope Roselle Park 24/7 is a catalyst for more people to turn thought into reality,” said Executive Board member and former Mayor Joe DeIorio. He ended, “If the people of Roselle Park can accomplish Operation Graduation, there is little doubt we can accomplish anything if we set our minds and hearts to it,”
No doubt Margret Mead understood as did the graduates and people of Roselle Park who witnessed, Operation Graduation.
This is the unedited version of the story that appeared on TAP into Roselle Park, June 21, 2015
It was the main event, what the community was waiting for. With little time and few resources, Operation Graduation would be the most talked about red carpet event in the borough.
Filled with the flashes of paparazzi’s cameras, the velvet rope and spotlights, the graduates left their caps and gowns to don “Operation Graduation” t-shirts. Each one was introduced in celebrity style by Thos Shipley and treated as VIPs, as was their right on a night that was the culmination of over a decade of schooling. It was now time to “Party!”
And party they did. With standing room inside the transformed Casano Community Center, they were treated to a buffet of local delicacies donated by community establishments. But this would be just the beginning; as buses arrived to wisk the Roselle Park graduates away to Monster Golf in Union, held open only for them. There they enjoyed endless arcade games, the glowing monster featured putting green and a, popular treat for the grads, Henna Tattoos.
Upon their return they found the Casano Center transformed once again, with table center pieces, a DJ and dance lighting, a photo booth and a full candy and dessert buffet. Outside featured a Paint and Pour session sponsored by Art and Soul Gallery, an outdoor movie with hot popcorn, lawn games under tents from Pretty Good Tent Rental. Indoors the party continued with a candy buffet along with desserts with DJ music and photo booth pictures. As the sun began to rise, the Class of 2015 were awed by the power of suggestion and doubled over in laughter by Hypnotist Derrick Watkins’ hour-long show.
It was a night to remember for the 82 Roselle Park High School graduates. That’s the main story.
But the behind the scenes the story is about how a small group of people, used their talents and gifts and came together for a cause bigger than themselves.
Jodi Bellomo, who was the cog in the wheel that pulled the team together, said it well. “It’s amazing what happens when people work together.“ She added, “I’m grateful to have spent an evening with the Class of 2015 and everyone who was part of Operation Graduation.”
“There are no words that I can use to express the outpouring of generosity and community spirit that people have shown for our youth here in Roselle Park”, noted Operation Graduation member Michelle Mageria Arnold. “Five people who have never before worked together, each with there own tendencies can make the impossible, possible.”
OPGRAD member Sharon Curia took note of the expressions of the graduates. “The kids witnessed concerned parents, citizens, elected officials, and businesses all work together to make the impossible possible. The party was so unique and personal; the kids really felt that and truly enjoyed themselves. They were thanking the adults as they left- there was true appreciation.”
Roselle Park 24/7 Executive Board members, Thos Shipley and Joe DeIorio, were excited to have their non-profit program be an integral part of Operation Graduation.
“It was truly amazing event,” said Thos Shipley. “Seeing all the volunteers come together that night as a cohesive group for a worthy cause is exactly what Roselle Park 24/7 is all about, and what is best about Roselle Park.”
“We hope Roselle Park 24/7 is a catalyst for more people to turn thought into reality,” said Executive Board member and former Mayor Joe DeIorio. He ended, “If the people of Roselle Park can accomplish Operation Graduation, there is little doubt we can accomplish anything if we set our minds and hearts to it,”
“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.
It was the main event, what the community was waiting for. With little time and few resources, Operation Graduation would be the most talked about red carpet event in the borough.
Filled with the flashes of paparazzi’s cameras, the velvet rope and spotlights, the graduates left their caps and gowns to don “Operation Graduation” t-shirts. Each one was introduced in celebrity style by Thos Shipley and treated as VIPs, as was their right on a night that was the culmination of over a decade of schooling. It was now time to “Party!”
And party they did. With standing room inside the transformed Casano Community Center, they were treated to a buffet of local delicacies donated by community establishments. But this would be just the beginning; as buses arrived to wisk the Roselle Park graduates away to Monster Golf in Union, held open only for them. There they enjoyed endless arcade games, the glowing monster featured putting green and a, popular treat for the grads, Henna Tattoos.
Upon their return they found the Casano Center transformed once again, with table center pieces, a DJ and dance lighting, a photo booth and a full candy and dessert buffet. Outside featured a Paint and Pour session sponsored by Art and Soul Gallery, an outdoor movie with hot popcorn, lawn games under tents from Pretty Good Tent Rental. Indoors the party continued with a candy buffet along with desserts with DJ music and photo booth pictures. As the sun began to rise, the Class of 2015 were awed by the power of suggestion and doubled over in laughter by Hypnotist Derrick Watkins’ hour-long show.
It was a night to remember for the 82 Roselle Park High School graduates. That’s the main story.
But the behind the scenes the story is about how a small group of people, used their talents and gifts and came together for a cause bigger than themselves.
Jodi Bellomo, who was the cog in the wheel that pulled the team together, said it well. “It’s amazing what happens when people work together.“ She added, “I’m grateful to have spent an evening with the Class of 2015 and everyone who was part of Operation Graduation.”
“There are no words that I can use to express the outpouring of generosity and community spirit that people have shown for our youth here in Roselle Park”, noted Operation Graduation member Michelle Mageria Arnold. “Five people who have never before worked together, each with there own tendencies can make the impossible, possible.”
OPGRAD member Sharon Curia took note of the expressions of the graduates. “The kids witnessed concerned parents, citizens, elected officials, and businesses all work together to make the impossible possible. The party was so unique and personal; the kids really felt that and truly enjoyed themselves. They were thanking the adults as they left- there was true appreciation.”
Roselle Park 24/7 Executive Board members, Thos Shipley and Joe DeIorio, were excited to have their non-profit program be an integral part of Operation Graduation.
“It was truly amazing event,” said Thos Shipley. “Seeing all the volunteers come together that night as a cohesive group for a worthy cause is exactly what Roselle Park 24/7 is all about, and what is best about Roselle Park.”
“We hope Roselle Park 24/7 is a catalyst for more people to turn thought into reality,” said Executive Board member and former Mayor Joe DeIorio. He ended, “If the people of Roselle Park can accomplish Operation Graduation, there is little doubt we can accomplish anything if we set our minds and hearts to it,”
No doubt Margret Mead understood as did the graduates and people of Roselle Park who witnessed, Operation Graduation.
This is the unedited version of the story that appeared on TAP into Roselle Park, June 21, 2015
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