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An acolyte leads St. Rose seniors Kirsten Heine and Tim Theobald to the altar with the gifts of bread and wine during the June 1 Baccalaureate Mass in St. Rose Church, Belmar.
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Mike Ehrmann photos
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St. Rose graduates ready to open door to the future
Graduates: 119 Baccalaureate Mass: June 1, 2017, St. Rose Church, Belmar
By Ken Downey, Correspondent
Commencement: June 6, 2017, Monmouth University
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Scholarships Received: $19,532,000 VALEDICTORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
Katherine Considine Jillian Barry
Daniel Clayton • Monsignor Teston Award Margaret Baker • St. Genesius Award
A soon-to-be-graduate receives his diploma from, left to right, Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish; Carly Londrigan, St. Rose director of guidance, and JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools.
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t was the end of one journey and the beginning of another June 6 as 119 members of St. Rose High School, Belmar, concluded their high school career and began their adventure into adulthood. “I chose to come to St. Rose from my very first visit because it felt like a family,” valedictorian, Katherine Considine stated in her address to those gathered in the Monmouth University Activity Center, West Long Branch. “These past four years have proven that initial feeling to be true. The halls are filled with friendly hellos, the students are close with the teachers, and I’ve never seen someone eat alone in the cafeteria. “I think we can all testify to this because St. Rose has been a second home to us,” said Considine, acknowledging the sentiments of her fellow classmates. Though Considine will bid farewell to her second home, the door to a wonderful new opportunity has opened. “For me, today is really bittersweet,” Considine stated. “While I can’t believe we’re finally leaving the comfortable halls of St. Rose, I’m excited to move onto new things and go out into the world.” Along with the graduation ceremony, the Class of 2017 came together to celebrate their faith during the Baccalaureate Mass held June 1 in St. Rose Church, Belmar. Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor, served as principal celebrant for the Mass. Father Dean Gaudio, pastor, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Avon, served as homilist. Following the Mass, 35 awards were distribut-
2017 • THE MONITOR • JUNE 2017
ed, including those “St. Rose for community and has taught us the service, academ- importance of reaching ics and activities. out to help someone in “We are blessneed, no matter if it’s ed with amazing a friend or a person students” who are we’ve never even exceptionally strong met.” academically and have a tremendous spirit and energy, Sister Kathy Nace, principal, emphasizing that she found this year’s graduating class to be young people of reason, good will, hospitable and inclusive, and very aware of their responsibilities. Also addressing the students was JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, who offered some final words of wisdom. “As you open a door to new experiences use your education wisely and powerfully to model virtues aching for expression. Through your daily choices and actions, work to bring about a world of trust, a world of acceptance, a world in which we recognize the power of blessings and faith,” Tier said. Senior class president, Jack Cusack, then took the stage to begin the tassel ceremony. He carefully moved his tassel from right to left as his classmates followed. The arena erupted in cheers as purple and gold caps flew into the air, and trumpets sounded from the John Luckenbill Orchestra.
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Sometimes, the future can seem scary and intimidating, especially if you have to go and live in a new place for four years where you don’t know anyone. Despite this fear, we have the rest of our lives ahead of us to take the gifts and lessons St. Rose has formed in us and confidently create a life that we love. We each have the ability to make a difference in the world in our own way.” • Katherine Considine, Valedictory Speech The 119 members of St. Rose High School’s Class of 2017 stride into the Monmouth University Activity Center June 6 for their graduation ceremony. The class collectively earned more than $19.5 million in scholarships.