Class of 2016 Graduates
Credit: Anna Padron/Achona Online
Senior Maddie Bales confesses, “It was bitter sweet because I was so happy with my accomplishments but i also didn’t want my time with my sisters to end. It was gratifying but also a good kind of sad.”
On Thursday, May 26 2016, Academy’s class of 2016 stood together as a class for one last time. Graduation, the night that many thought would never come, was finally here. The class of 2016 was glowing under the bright lights of the Straz Center and the air was filled with the excitement that accompanies new beginnings. This was the second year that graduation was held at the Straz and there was a line wrapping around the building of guests eager to partake in this exciting event.
In addition to winning the legion award, Thompson was a co-president of TLC and a member of the basketball and softball teams.
After the graduates processed in, principle Sister Ann Reagan gave a few words. She recognized several young ladies that received awards at the Honors convocation earlier in the week. Remi Storch received the Blessed Marie Rose Durocher award which is awarded to someone who lives out the school motto Esse Quam Videri. Christina Thompson won the American legion award which is granted to a senior who exemplifies leadership, character, and dedication to her country.
Next two class officers, Natalie Cevallos and Molly Johnson, led a prayer to bless the graduates. Following the prayer Sr. Ann Reagan introduced salutatorian Julia DiFabrizio. DiFabrizio gave a moving speech about how hardships and struggles have helped the class of 2016 to grow closer and move towards their future. After her speech, Mrs. Erin Krukar, the vice principal, was brought up to begin calling names for the diplomas. After the girls received their diplomas a first grade girl gave the graduate a bouquet of red roses. The first grade flower girls are a unique aspect of the academy graduation. The young flower girls cause the parents to remember a time when their own daughter was that age.
After all 98 graduates received their diploma, Krukar announced the class of 2016 as official graduated and asked them to flip their tassels to the left side. Following this symbolic tradition it was time for valadictorian, Kelsea Henry, to address the graduates. Henry spoke to her “b16 deal” of a class with love and endearment. Henry’s full speech is featured below.
School President Art Raimo closed the ceremony with a brief closing speech complete with several jokes and valuable advice to graduates.
Anna Padron is the Achona’s Features editor and Academy senior. Being a tennis lover since the 6th grade, Anna competes on the Academy high school tennis...
