St. Mary’s honored the Class of 2018 at the school’s 114th Commencement Exercises on May 24, 2018.
Dean of Academics & Curriculum, Mr. Junik led the ceremony, introducing Mr. Fay to give the Invocation. Class President, Shae Antonicelli, then gave an inspiring address, relating students’ time at St. Mary’s to the process of putting together a puzzle. Each year, the end picture starts to get clearer thanks to the help of the St. Mary’s faculty and the friends met along the way. Valedictorian, Chelsea Okon also addressed the nearly 900-person crowd with a speech that focused on how the millennial generation, while considered underdogs, has the power to change the world.
At graduation, St. Mary’s also presents the Marian Award, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a Lancer. The award goes to the graduating senior who displays qualities unmatched by their peers in kindness, service, and what it means to be a Lancer. This year’s Marian Award winner was Andrew Wargo. Andrew can always be found on-campus, even after graduation, as the “go-to” guy for just about everything. He DJs dances, runs clubs (like Lancer First Responders), emcees sporting events, leads Campus Ministry, and makes the day brighter for everyone he interacts with. St. Mary’s will undoubtedly miss his presence next year.
The names of the graduates were read, and students walked across the stage, accepting their diplomas from Mr. Junik, Board Chair, Mr. Fiume, and Head of School, Mr. Kelleher. The Class of 2018 moved their tassels, tossed their caps in the air, and entered the world as St. Mary’s alumni.
The graduates and their families were then able to take part in an after-party on the front lawn to chat, take some photos, and eat at one of the four food trucks present.
The Class of 2018 is comprised of 88 graduates—88 students who left their mark on St. Mary’s, making our school a better place because they were here. Congratulations, Class of 2018!
