SJS Class of 2004 Graduation
Twenty-five eighth graders, the largest class since 2001, graduated from St. Jerome School on Friday evening, June 4, 2004. The graduates were honored for their achievement of a significant milestone and their numerous accomplishments along the way. Family and friends joined them in celebrating cherished memories and cheered on the graduates as they prepare to move on to the exciting opportunities and challenges of high school. A combined Eucharistic celebration/graduation ceremony for the St. Jerome School Class of 2004 was held at our parish church. Following the Mass that was concelebrated by Father Thomas Wyndham, our Pastor, and Monsignor Peter Martocchio, who were also joined by Deacon Joseph Vitello, the graduates were awarded diplomas by Father Wyndham and Mr. Michael Sansone, Principal of St. Jerome School. In an inspiring and colorful liturgical ceremony amidst the royal blue worn by the boys juxtaposed against the complementary dazzling white worn by the girls, the scheduled speakers shared their fond memories and evoked the traditional graduation themes of gratitude, friendship, separation, change, faith, hope, love and courage. The speakers also emphasized the importance of motivation, hard work and other ingredients and strengths that we all tap at one time or another in this life, not the least of which is our faith and our relationship with God as pointed out by Father Wyndham and Mr. Sansone.
Father Wyndham began his homily by reminding the students that they belong to Christ Jesus, and that His love for them will continue on forever. Father also said that their education at St. Jerome prepared them to live a good and joyful life and to meet the challenges of the future. He challenged the students to be the best person that each can be. This determination coupled with God's help will not only help them to fulfill their personal goals and dreams, but also serve to remind them of their calling as Catholics to make the world a better place. On behalf of the graduates, Father Wyndham expressed gratitude to everyone who played a role in their education, especially the teachers whose dedication makes a catholic school education what it is and the parents whose sacrifice and contributions to the school made this excellent education possible for their children.
John Quigg officially kicked off the graduation ceremonies with a well-crafted Salutatorian's address that sounded traditional graduation themes of cherished memories, friendships, gratitude, and moving on to the unknown. John's address was followed by the conferring of diplomas and awards by Father Wyndham, Michael Sansone, Principal, and Dr. John McGrann. Of the 25 graduates, eleven are bound for Archbishop Williams in the Fall of 1004: They are Jenna Boyle, Sean Costello, Elizabeth Donoghue, Rhianna Flanagan, Alysson Flannery, Christina Haskins, Melanie Madeira, Brian McCarthy, Laura Miglis, Lauren O'Connor, and John Quigg. Four students, Madison Buchanan, Jonathan Norris, Michael Pollard, and Bridget White will be attending Weymouth High School. Fontbonne Academy in Milton was the choice of three (3) girls: They are Elizabeth Lohnes, Courtney O'Sullivan, and Kathryn Ruel. Three boys (Guilet Libby, David McCoy and Daniel McLaughlin) will be attending Catholic Memorial in West Roxbury. Stacey Cranshaw will be going to Woodward School for Girls in Quincy. David Sisson will continue his education at Boston College High School, and Christopher Perry will be headed to Xaverian High School in Westwood. Notre Dame Academy was the choice of class valedictorian Maura Monahan. At the end of the conferring of the diplomas, the graduates were directed to move their cap tassels in unison as Mr. Sansone pronounced: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the St. Jerome School Graduating Class of 2004." This was followed by a well- deserved, thunderous ovation from the adoring parents, family and friends of the graduates.
The recipients of the Father Dever Scholarship Awards were announced as follows: Rhianna Flanagan, Sean Costello, John Quigg and Bridget White. The John Madden Scholarship winners were: Elizabeth Lohnes, Maura Monahan, John Quigg and Kathryn Ruel. The following graduates were awarded the Saint Jerome Parish Scholarship: Jenna Boyle, Rhianna Flanagan, Maura Monahan, John Quigg and Kathryn Ruel. John Quigg was also awarded with the Principal's award, which was presented in person by Mary Lou Sadowski, Principal of Archbishop Williams. David McCoy was awarded the coveted Catholic Memorial Founders' Scholarship, a four-year scholarship. It was noted by Mr. Sansone that it was the first time in the history of St. Jerome that a student had been awarded this scholarship. Maura Monahan was the recipient of a prestigious citation (Class Scholar of the Class of 2008) and a scholarship from Notre Dame Academy in Hingham. Congratulation and best wishes to all the winner of awards and scholarships.
Mr. Sansone followed the presentation with a few remarks. He thanked the parents on behalf of the teachers for their involvement and ongoing support of the school that goes way beyond fundraising. He reminded the new graduates that they are in the early stages of a long journey with no promises, no free rides, and no guarantees; however, the basic values they learned at SJS should serve them well as they take on new challenges. Maura Monahan's Valedictorian address was a gem in that it was obviously thoughtfully written, heartfelt and delivered in smooth fashion. The young orator also articulated familiar graduation themes of termination, ambivalence, new beginnings, and opportunity. She wished her classmates well and hoped that they would all stay in touch and build on their long- term friendships. This year's graduation ceremony featured for the fourth consecutive year remarks from a spokesperson for the St. Jerome Alumni Association. As she did last year, Jennifer Lammers reminisced about he own days at St. Jerome and how her education prepared her for life's future challenges.
The altar servers were Alyssa Boyle, Mary Quigg, Miranda Flanagan, and Mary Catherine O'Sullivan, all of whom are siblings of graduates. Marie Johnson accompanied singer Donna McNutt at the piano and organ.
This year's graduating class veered from past traditions. There was no banquet this year. In past years, the 8th grade banquet was usually held the Wednesday prior to graduation. The class of 2004 voted to do everything in one evening. So, following the graduation ceremonies, there was a reception in St. Paula's Hall for the graduates and their parents, siblings and invited guests. About 250 people showed up for a full buffet, followed by the debut of a class DVD that featured photos and a video of past and recent events. The DVD was the creative achievement of Greg Cranshaw, father of graduate Stacey Cranshaw. It was especially very well received by the graduates and helped them get through a solemn and emotional evening, with laughs from seeing themselves as babies, kids, and finally teenagers in their years leading up to this evening. Comic relief was also provided by the video of the class of 2004's rendition of Sister Act, performed at the Catholic School Week Talent Show in January. The performance featured all the 8th graders in nuns' habits, led by Guilet Libby in the role of Woopie Goldberg; seeing Guilet shake it up definitely brought down the house. The principal organizers of the reception were 8th grader parents Kathy Monahan and Doris Flanagan who were assisted by many parents, including some parents of younger students who assisted in serving the buffet. This is the kind of spirit that has kept St. Jerome thriving over the years. Kathy, Doris and Greg Cranshaw (for his awesome DVD) were publicly acknowledged for making the reception a huge success. An evening of dancing followed. The first dance was for the graduate girls and their dads and the graduate boys and their moms. The DJ spun tunes till 11 PM. Father Peter called the entire evening "a class operation". What more is there to say?
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