Valedictorian Found Community in PCCC’s Non-Conformity

Jade Cetrulo graduated from PCCC with highest honors and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Music Technology. She served as a co-valedictorian of the Class of 2025 and, in a vocal duet with a fellow Music Technology graduate, Ashley Ruiz, delivered a memorable a capella rendition of the national anthem at PCCC’s two Commencement ceremonies.

So, it comes as a surprise to learn that this high-achieving academic, who comes from a family of college graduates, initially rejected the idea of attending college.

Although after high school, Jade first attended a prestigious music school in Boston, she missed her family, friends, and support network so much that she returned to New Jersey and took a full-time job as a waitress.

“I wasn’t sure that a college environment was the right place for me,” said Jade, a transgender student whose diagnosis with ADHD plagued her progress in her earlier school years.

It was at her mother’s suggestion that Jade agreed to try a couple of courses at PCCC, so in 2023, she enrolled in Music Technology and Music Fundamentals classes at the Wanaque campus, home to the College’s Fine and Performing Arts program.

Her experience at the College was transformative. “I fell in love with this school and this community,” said Jade, expressing gratitude to her professors, advisors, and fellow students for their guidance and support.

She thrived in her classes, especially in her major. “On our Wanaque campus, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to get hands-on experience with industry-level equipment and to immerse myself in the audio-engineering community.”  Jade considered the class visit to the Audio-Engineering Society convention “one of the best days here…I loved it.”    

In her memorable valedictory speech, Jade described how she was, as a transgender woman, “so warmly embraced by this community,” a contrast to what she called “outdated world views” that would consider someone like her to be unworthy of acceptance.  

“At this school, I see a student body that refuses to conform to the venomous expectations of hate,” Jade continued, and in denouncing such prejudice, she added, “I see people like myself in so many marginalized communities demonstrating time and time again that we are not going away and we will continue to excel.” Enthusiastic applause broke out!

Jade will continue her education this Fall at Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY), where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in studio composition, “which my time at PCCC has thoroughly prepared me for,” she said.

In her valedictory speech, Jade described what has been most rewarding in her time at PCCC: “I’ve been able to immerse myself in a community of passionate artists that are willing to help each other succeed both academically and creatively.”

Written by Linda Telesco
Photos by John O’Boyle