The Niagara Regional Exhibition Centre was charged with positive energy
and buzzing with excitement on Thursday, May 20th as more than 2000
graduating students from Niagara Catholic’s eight secondary schools
gathered for the 9th Annual Niagara Catholic Graduation Celebration.
As
students, trustees, administrators and special guests began to fill the
room, they were greeted by the inspirational music and beautiful voices
of the Denis Morris Catholic High School choir.
Notre Dame
College School Principal Ralph DeFazio opened the celebrations telling
the students that wherever life’s journey takes them after graduation,
they will forever be members of the Niagara Catholic family.
Co-Chairs
of the Student Senate and Student Trustees, Megan Grocholsky, a Notre
Dame student and Juliana Ciccarelli a student at Saint Paul, acted as
emcees for the event.
Kathy Burtnik, Board Chairperson, said it
was an
“awesome opportunity” to
address the 2000-plus graduates. She told the students that when they
looked at their futures to remember that
“a job is a job but passion
will carry you to great heights … do something with your life that will
have an impact – dream, dream big dreams, don’t let anyone tell you
can’t if it is something you feel passionate about."
Director
of Education, John Crocco said that it was inspiring to be in a room
full of young diverse leaders. He told the graduates,
“in your life journey, there will be
defining moments … you will be fully immersed in a very secular world
where the teachings you have received while in Niagara Catholic will be
your compass to guide you in our world … you will enter for the most
part, a society that needs more of what you will bring to it than what
it has to offer.”
The prayer service led by Monsignor Wayne Kirkpatrick began as students
representing each of the secondary schools walked in procession to the
stage carrying sections of a wooden cross which was assembled as each
student added a section.
In his message to the graduates, Monsignor Kirkpatrick used the analogy
of a bumble bee and the theory that they cannot fly.He pointed out that
bumblebees do not limit themselves by what others say and they do indeed
fly. He said,
“do not let what others
say affect your destiny …you have the ability and the talent to go far …
see how far your wings will take you." In closing he wished the
graduates “a beautiful flight.”
Keynote speaker for the event, Chris D’Souza had a special message for
graduates. A 20-year veteran of the education profession with special
expertise in the areas of human rights and inclusion issues, Mr. D'Souza
said that the greatest moment of his life was addressing the 2000-plus
Niagara Catholic graduates. He drew on his own life experiences with
discrimination to urge the students to look at situations that are
unfair and unjust and make a difference.
“
We have the power to change the
world," explained D'Souza.
The Graduation Celebration ended with Monsignor Kirkpatrick blessing
special keepsake key rings which were given to the graduates by their
principals. Monsignor Kirkpatrick also read a special message from the
Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to this year's graduates.
Each graduate will receive a copy of the Pope’s message. For the first
time, a $500 scholarship donated by Niagara Catholic high schools was
awarded to two students selected by members of the student senate.The
scholarships were awarded to Harish Aggarwal, Saint Paul Catholic High
School and Tyler Plyley, Saint Michael Catholic High School. The
scholarships recognize students who excel in academics, athletics,
community and Catholic involvement, along with extra-curricular
activities.
Other Good News at Niagara Catholic...
Niagara Catholic is the first school board in Ontario to have all of its schools receive Ontario EcoSchools certification. This is the third year for board-wide participation in the program, which recognizes schools for environmental initiatives. Niagara Catholic will celebrate this success at a special event in the fall.
--From the Niagara Catholic District School Board