Welcome to today’s graduation. It is a special day – for the graduates, for their proud parents and grandparents, and for their teachers.
Today is one of those great occasions when we get to celebrate our young people – their achievements, their perseverance and their successes as they grow. Graduation is seen as an official way to recognize when a person is ready for the next phase of their life, and graduates you are ready. You have learned much through the years.
Eighth grade: I remember your wide eyes and smiling faces in first grade – the excitement of being together and learning something new. Every day of 8th grade I saw those sparkling eyes, smiling faces, checking the board, asking…”what are we going to do today?” as you gathered in the classroom every morning. I look up at you now – and know that those wide eyes and smiling faces are ready…
Each year you have become a little more independent. You persevered, and you have succeeded. You face a future that holds the unknown: exciting experiences, happy and sad experiences, challenging experiences. With the foundation you have built here at Sacred Heart School, with the love of your family and friends and with your faith, you will meet whatever life has in store for you.
You have grown into fine young men and women and each and every one of you has a special place in my heart.
You are ready for the next step. However, I ask you to take this chance to dedicate yourself to making the next year even better. Remember that you don’t have to follow the crowd. Do the right thing, even if no one is looking. Study hard, check your work, and remember that you are investing in yourself with every test you take and every book you read.
I pray that you will wake each morning and search for God throughout your day.
That you will meet the challenges life tosses your way with prayer and confidence.
That the toys and noise of this world will not reflect in your eyes.
That life will be an adventure with Christ; not too predictable or overly planned,
that you will make time to be available to Him.
I wish you joy with just enough discomfort so you will appreciate the joy.
I wish you prosperity with just enough struggle to make you responsible and generous.
I wish you peace but not enough to make you complacent.
Embrace the life God gives you, always seek His face, always hope, always dream, work hard, pray hard, serve often, laugh often And love unconditionally…as He has always loved you.
So…congratulations to the class of 2017, congratulations to the parents, and finally to all the teachers and everyone else who helped our graduates reach here today. Congratulations, class of 2017 – Here we go!
Awards
At this time, I’d like to call Mrs. Clemmensen up to present the academic awards for religion and social studies.
Haley Higgins
Madeline Hoffman
Madison Marlow
Gisele Ortega
Austin Sezzi
Mrs. Gaither with academic awards for Literature and English
Claire Brokaw
Haley Higgins
Madeline Hoffman
Madison Marlow
Gisele Ortega
Kalea TamSig
Science and Math
Haley Higgins
Madeline Hoffman
Renaissance Award – The next award we’d like to give out is the Renaissance award. This award is given to those that excel in all subjects all of the time. In order to receive the renaissance award you must have an A in all subjects for the entire 8th grade year.
Haley Higgins
Madeline Hoffman
The President’s Award
I have received a letter from the President of the United States. President Obama sends his congratulations and would also like to recognize the hard work of those students who received an A or B in all subjects for all three years of middle school. He sends a certificate and a pin to adorn your graduation robe.
Claire Brokaw
Dante Galvan
Haley Higgins
Madeline Hoffman
Madison Marlow
Kalea TamSing
Honors at Entrance
Students planning to attend Saint Bonaventure take an entrance exam and Saint Bonaventure would like to recognize those students who received honors at entrance.
Claire Brokaw
Madeline Hoffman
Gisele Ortega
Perfect Attendance
Dax Bernal
Austin Sezzi
Jeff Tauber Award
The next award is the Jeff Tauber Award. Mrs. Pertersen will you join me for this presentation.
School Families
Mrs. Gaither – with school families
We’ve done it! We are just about there! It is now the school’s opportunity to say good-bye to our graduating class. Graduates – please stand and line the center aisle. Starting with Mrs. Brown and the kindergarten class, let’s go to the back of the church and walk through the graduates – congratulating them and wishing them well.
