Montville Township High School SAC President Ava Failla Asks Peers to Make a Difference

MONTVILLE, NJ – “The most important lesson I have learned in high school is having confidence and believing in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will.” Those are the words of Ava Failla. Failla served as the Montville Township High School [MTHS] Class of 2024 Student Activities Counsel [SAC] President.

During the MTHS graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 20, 2024, Failla was one of four student speakers. Her remarks to the Class of 2024 focused on the most important lessons she learned during her four years as an MTHS student in the Montville Township Public Schools [MTPS] district.

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“First and foremost, it is important to leave your mark wherever you go,” Failla said. “Leaving your mark means making a difference. It's about using the knowledge, skills, and passions we've developed here to contribute to the world in meaningful ways.”

Failla plans to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She will co-major in accounting and finance. Before MTHS, Failla attended the MTPS district’s Valley View Elementary School and Robert R. Lazar Middle School.

“Two teachers who have given me advice and confidence, pushing me through my last couple years at MTPS were my middle school math teacher, Mrs. Donna DeMarco and my middle school science teacher, Dr. Marisa Castronova-Wos,” Failla added. “They instilled values in me that I share with others and finally made me believe in myself as both a student, and a person. Without their guidance, I would have gone through high school completely differently.”

In her role as SAC president, Failla hosted the daily MTHS morning announcements, served as a student representative on the Montville Township Board of Education, and led her class and the entire student body in spirited student activities.

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“My favorite memories are pep rallies and spirit weeks at MTHS,” Failla noted, “especially when I was the one coordinating them for the school.”

In her speech, Failla also encouraged her peers to remember their roots.

“In a world that is constantly changing, our roots provide us with a sense of stability and identity,” explained Failla. “No matter how far we go or how much we achieve, our roots will always be a part of us. They will be our anchor, keeping us connected to our true selves”

In the final moments of her spe4ech, the MTHS SAC President encouraged the Class of 2024.

“We have the power to leave a lasting impact on the world,” said Failla. “Let's go forth with confidence, knowing that we are equipped with the tools to succeed. Let's leave our mark by making a positive difference in the lives of others, and let's never forget the people and experiences that have brought us to this moment.”

Failla concluded her graduation speech as she had concluded the MTHS announcements each morning throughout the 2023-2024 academic year: “Roll ‘Stangs!” Failla exclaimed.

A transcript of Ava Failla’s entire speech to the MTHS Class of 2024 is shared below. Video of Failla’s speech ( https://youtu.be/hiW2slzkSb8?t=2312 ) can be found on YouTube.

Two Hundred Seventy-Seven seniors in the MTHS Class of 2024 received diplomas at the school’s 53rd Annual MTHS Graduation Ceremony. The June 20, 2024, ceremony can be viewed in its entirety on the Montville Township Public Schools YouTube Channel, or by visiting www.montville.net/mthsgraduation .

Ava Failla’s Class of 2024 MTHS Graduation Speech:

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and, of course, the Class of 2024,

Today is a day we have all been eagerly anticipating. It's a day of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for the future. We stand on the threshold of a new chapter in our lives, ready to step into the world with dreams, hopes, and aspirations. As we prepare to leave the familiar halls of MTHS behind, I'd like to share messages about the most impactful lessons learned during my high school years.

First and foremost, it is important to leave your mark wherever you go. Each of us has spent the past four years carving out a unique space in this school. We've faced challenges, celebrated victories, and grown in ways we never imagined. We've built friendships, learned lessons, and created memories that will last a lifetime. But now, as we step into the wider world, it's time to think about how we can leave our mark beyond the walls we put our handprints on or the hallways we walked through during these past four years.

Leaving your mark means making a difference. It's about using the knowledge, skills, and passions we've developed here to contribute to the world in meaningful ways. Whether we become doctors, artists, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, or anything else, we have the power to impact the lives of others. It doesn't matter how big or small our actions may seem. What matters is the intention behind them and the positive change they bring.

Remember, greatness is not defined by the scope of our achievements but by the depth of our character and the kindness we show to others. As we venture into new territories, let's carry with us the values we've learned here: integrity, perseverance, empathy, and respect. Let's strive to be the best versions of ourselves, always seeking to uplift those around us. In doing so, we will leave a legacy that goes far beyond titles or accolades.

Now, while it's important to leave our mark, it's equally crucial to never forget where we came from. Our roots, our community, and our experiences here have shaped us into who we are today. Our families, friends, teachers, and classmates have been our support system, guiding us through the ups and downs of high school life. They've believed in us, even when we doubted ourselves.

Never forgetting where you came from means staying grounded and humble. It means remembering the people and places that have contributed to your journey. As we spread our wings and explore new horizons, let's carry with us a sense of gratitude for the foundations that have been laid for us. Let's honor the sacrifices and efforts of those who have helped us reach this milestone.

In a world that is constantly changing, our roots provide us with a sense of stability and identity. They remind us of our beginnings and the values that define us. No matter how far we go or how much we achieve, our roots will always be a part of us. They will be our anchor, keeping us connected to our true selves. In some meaningful way, you will all serve as an anchor for me because we will forever be connected by this moment, and those that we have shared since freshman year. I thank all of you sitting in front of me here today. Every smile in the hallway or class discussion. Every single one of you has contributed to shaping me into the person I am today and my hope is I have done the same for you. Later tonight when the people who have filled this stadium stampede onto the field and congratulate us, make sure to thank them for the ways they helped you on your journey, from when we are born to the moment we walk across the stage to retrieve our diplomas and beyond. I cannot forget about my closest friends who taught me what true friendship is and how to be an amiable person. From all our shared experiences, I have learned and grown as you all have helped me push past obstacles along the way. I cherish all of the advice you have given me, whether good or bad, and I could not have gotten here without any of you.

Like all of you, we are impacted by our friends. But the people who have most directly contributed to my journey to success are my family. They have been the cornerstone of my success, providing unwavering support and guidance throughout my life but more specifically, my mom. She has been my biggest supporter along the way whether it's coming to a track meet two hours away or pushing me to do my best in school; I knew that I had at least one person I could turn to in the crowd or in tough times. Her relentless dedication and encouragement have empowered me to pursue my dreams and overcome challenges. Her wisdom and love have shaped my values and fueled my determination, making her an integral part of every achievement I celebrate.

As we embark on our exciting journeys in life, whether it is going to college, going into the workforce, or still figuring it out, I encourage each of us to take a moment to reflect on our high school years. Remember the lessons we've learned, the friendships we've formed, and the dreams we've nurtured. Let's carry these memories with us as a source of strength and inspiration.

Class of 2024, we have the power to leave a lasting impact on the world. Let's go forth with confidence, knowing that we are equipped with the tools to succeed. Let's leave our mark by making a positive difference in the lives of others, and let's never forget the people and experiences that have brought us to this moment.

Congratulations to each and every one of you. Here's to the future, to the marks we'll leave, and to the roots that will always remind us of this very moment. Thank you and for the final time, roll stangs!

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