Connections
The Saint Vincent Academy Newsletter
No. 88 • June 2017
Remember Your ‘True North’ Congratulations to the Class of 2017! On Sunday, June 4, 69 young women took their ever-anticipated “walk across the stage” in front of their families, friends, faculty and sister alumnae. Sister June offered the welcoming remarks, and Chikama Onwunaka ‘17 delivered the valedictory address. “I believe one of the major problems for teenagers today is self-doubt,” she said. “You are capable. We are capable...we will come back and lead. We will make a great impact in the world so we can send a positive message to the underclassmen, to our sisters, to the next generation to come, which is you cannot let where you come from or Emani Ross ‘17. where you’ve been dictate who you will be.” She extended many thanks and gratitude to teachers, faculty and family who continually supported her class through challenging times. As a final reminder, Chikama encouraged her class to “remember that the success we will have as individuals will strengthen us as a community.” Monica Goncalves ‘98 was the graduation speaker. Monica is a Social Studies teacher and Department Chair at Linden High School. She received her B.A. in History from The College of Saint Elizabeth and an M.A. in Education Administration from Kean University. In addition, Monica was recognized as the 2016-17 Union
Class of 2017.
Valedictorian, Chikama Onwunaka ‘17.
County Teacher of the Year. She addressed the graduates by first reflecting on her graduation day. “I remember sitting in those seats, thinking about my life, my family and friends. I remember being so excited to finally be done with high school, yet so nervous to leave these familiar faces, walls and relationships. Today, I proudly tell you that you however nervous, curious or excited you are - you are prepared to do unbelievable things with your lives. Don’t ever stop
Samantha Portillo ‘ 17.
working to improve yourself, and never stop working to make the world how you envision it. Remember: education is not something you learn or accomplish - it’s not represented by degrees or diplomas - education, true learning is a lifelong continued on page 2.