Donovan Catholic High School TOMS RIVER Graduates: 173 Baccalaureate Mass: June 2, 2019, St. Joseph Church, Toms River Commencement: June 3, 2019, St. Joseph Church, Toms River Scholarships Received: $25,110,532
Valedictorian: Matthew Roberts
Salutatorian: Michael Roberts
Bishop Ahr Award: Katherine Uffer
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We cannot change the lost opportunities of our past, but we can use them as a reference point for our future decisions. Think about any regrets you may have had here … and avoid them in college. Treat any disappointments as opportunities to make better decisions in the future.” Matthew Roberts, Valedictorian Speech
Anselmo Martinez, Luis Martinez, Kelly McNeila and Matthew Melon listen to words of wisdom during commencement exercises June 3. Michael Glenn photo
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Donovan Catholic grads ready to change the world By Mary Stadnyk, Associate Editor
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wins seem to run in the Donovan Catholic family. For the second time in three years, the Toms River school saw twins serving as valedictorian and salutatorian. “Donovan will always be a part of us and has made us strong enough to handle anything,” Matthew Roberts said in his valedictorian speech. “Do not look at this as an end of our time at Donovan, look at is as a chance [for us] to bring Donovan out into the rest of the world. Armed with the lessons we take from our alma mater, let’s change the world for the better.” Roberts and his twin brother, salutatorian Michael Roberts, were among the 173 graduates to receive diplomas June 3 in St. Joseph Church. The day before, a Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated in St. Joseph Church with Father Scott Shaffer, pastor, as principal celebrant. When it came time to describing the class and high school experience, the common words used were community and caring. “My experience at Donovan Catholic has been nothing short of amazing,” said graduate Katherine Uffer, recipient of the Bishop George W. Ahr Religion Award. “The teachers and faculty are always supportive and are willing to lend a helping hand.” “For the past four years, Donovan has been my second family,” said graduate Caitlin Chiu, who is heading to Cornell University to pursue studies in biology and society. “If I had to nar-
Class of 2019 • THE MONITOR • JUNE 2019
Eric Dodgson and Victoria Gelosi carry the gifts in preparation for the Liturgy of the Eucharist during the Baccalaureate Mass June 2 in St. Joseph Church, Toms River. Vic Mistretta photo
Lindsay Nelson displays The Griffin Award she received for softball performance in Donovan Catholic High School. Vic Mistretta photo
row it down to one thing that helped me through high school, it would be the sense of community found within the school walls. The teachers and students have stood by my side both in and outside of the school. I am grateful to have the everlasting memories created at this school to bring with me to college.” Kathleen D’Andrea, vice principal, smiled when she described the Class of 2019 as being united, ambitious and ready to meet the next decade head on. “Technology is second-nature to these graduates, and they go into the digital age of careers with confidence and skills,” D’Andrea said. “Yet they are compassionate thinkers who appreciate the spiritual foundation of their education at Donovan Catholic.”
Marta Pawka proudly receives her Donovan Catholic diploma from Father Scott Shaffer, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River. Looking on at left is Dr. Edward Gere, Donovan Catholic principal, and Dan Duddy, pastoral minister of athletics and guidance counsellor. Michael Glenn photo