The high school held its graduation ceremony Friday evening.
PERTH AMBOY -- Don't forget who you are -- that was the message Perth Amboy High School senior heard from their own at their graduation ceremony Thursday night held at the school's football stadium.
"Challenge to be different, to go the extra mile, and when you do leave this place, proudly say 'I am from Perth Amboy," said Class of 2016 Valedictorian Angela Febres. "I see a wealth of untapped potential. I want us to never forget where we came from."
Class Salutatorian Rafael Tafur, who will be attending Princeton University in the fall, gave a heartfelt speech, noting that his mother was unable to see him graduate because she was attempting to obtain legal documentation in Peru to become an American citizen.
Nevertheless, he said he was so proud she was pursuing a lifelong dream.
"My mom always tried to become a legal resident ever since she came to this country nineteen years ago," he said. "Yet, she has been denied the opportunity many times. During this year, she had been pardoned and given the opportunity to travel to Peru to finally become a legal resident."
He continued, "Our family cannot wait to see her again soon. I wish that she could be here to see me graduate ... Nevertheless, I am proud of her and can't wait to see her again and share this speech with her. She continues to persevere and pursue her goal."
School Principal Eugene G. Mosley also told his students to be proud from where they came.
"You're going to honor in the world to make your mark," Mosley said. "You may go far away, you may leave Perth Amboy, but Perth Amboy will never leave you ... never forget those people, and never forget from where you came."
City Mayor Wilda Diaz was also in attendance and expressed her pride in this year's graduating class.
Family and friends erupted in applause as the names of the graduating students were called, and they went up, one by one, to receive their diplomas.
Flip through our photos of Wednesday's commencement ceremony above, and be sure to check out our complete graduation coverage at nj.com/graduation.
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