St. Rose High School BELMAR Graduates: 114 Baccalaureate Mass: May 30, 2019, St. Rose Church, Belmar Commencement: June 4, 2019, Monmouth University Scholarships Received: $22,000,000

Valedictorian: Nico Landino

Salutatorian: Brian Gero

Bishop Ahr Award: Luke Remail

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Class of 2019, take this moment to look at the person on your left and right. See who’s sitting in front of you and behind you. You saw that face almost every day for four years, and now, it’s time to say farewell. Thank them for the lessons they taught you and wish them the best of luck for their future. Tell them they are capable of accomplishing all that they desire, and tell them, ‘You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.’” Nico Landino, Valedictorian Speech

St. Rose graduates leave legacy of service By Katie Cerni, Digital and Social Media Coordinator

John Batkowski photo

of [the teachers], and I believe that St. Rose has prepared me greatly for college.” The commencement exercises came days after the May 30 Baccalaureate Mass, celebrated eginning his valedictorian speech June 4 on by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Rose the campus of Monmouth University, Nico Church. Landino asked his 113 fellow graduates to Alongside communilook at the faces to their ty, another signifier of this right and left: “You’ve graduating class was serseen this face almost vice. This year, four students every day for four years earned their Eagle Scout now, and it’s frightening Awards – the highest rank to realize we will soon be in the Boy Scouts – and two leaving such familiarity.” seniors earned Girl Scout Though the Class Gold Awards, also the highof 2019 was preparing est-ranking. to embark on different Service to the global paths, it was certain they community was practiced would not forget the as well. Graduates Jenni community they built and Jamie Bassi, twins, spent together in St. Rose High a week of their summer School, Belmar. vacation before senior year “What I will remem Samantha Mikos receives the Magna Cum in Puerto Rico to assist those ber most is the connecLaude award in mathematics during graduation. impacted by Hurricane tion I felt to the school John Batkowski photo Maria. community and the spirit Principal John F. Tonero that was always prevexpressed pride in the Class of 2019. “I cannot say alent,” said Mary Gowen, who plans to attend enough. Their enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, genConnecticut’s Fairfield University in the fall. erosity, kindness, spirituality and their concern for Brady Shea, who will be majoracademics distinguished them as a unique group ing in business at Auburn University, of individuals … I have been blessed to serve as Ala., said, “I have had the privilege their principal.” to form relationships with many

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►Matt Forlenza and Kaylee Apple present the gifts to Bishop O’Connell at the Baccalaureate Mass. Mike Ehrmann photo

 Genevieve Danish receives a hug from her mother during the “Rose Ceremony” at the Baccalaureate Mass May 30. Mike Ehrmann photo

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St. Rose High School graduates toss their caps as commencement exercises come to an end June 4.

Class of 2019 • THE MONITOR • JUNE 2019