Congratulations to the class of 2013!
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It was a beautiful and warm day in the city as Bishop O’Connell High School held its 53th commencement exercise at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, presented diplomas to the 305 members of the class of 2013. Included in that number this year were 35 legacies, that is, graduates with parents who are O’Connell alumni. There were also 11 graduates who received a certificate along with their diploma to indicate the equivalent of a ninth semester of study as part of the Global Studies program.
President Kathleen Prebble welcomed the students, honored guests and family members to this celebration. She took a moment to recognized members of the class of 1963 who were attendance to mark the 50th anniversary of their graduation from Bishop O’Connell. Then she addressed the class of 2013, encouraging them to embark with confidence on their next journey. “You do not know what the future holds,” she said, “but you hold the future.” She finished her remarks by sharing the sentiments of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, who recently spoke at the Bard College graduation: “Be bold, be courageous, be yourself.”
Emily Lodge, the class salutatorian, marveled at how far this class had come, and how much they had already accomplished. “We’ve become superheroes,” she said, and she described the three characteristics of a superhero that were already embodied in the members of the class of 2013. The first was superhero strength, which she illustrated in both the physical and mental capabilities of class members. The second characteristic was a desire to help others, and she pointed to the Superdance, soup drive, tutoring, service hours, mission trips and March for Life as just a few accomplishments of this class. The third characteristic was a basic belief that one has power for a reason. “By using our ‘superhero’ strength for God’s purpose, we are sure to change the world for good,” she said.
Meagan David, the class valedictorian, encouraged the class to view their next steps in life the same way that she was taught to prepare for a race by her coach. She acknowledged that there were many times before a race when she would have butterflies in anticipation. “Trust,” she said. “That’s the word I want you to remember—trust your education; trust each other; trust yourself; and trust Jesus to be there with you, too.”
Dr. Matthew Shank, president of Marymount University, provided the commencement address. He shared his enthusiasm for the partnership that his school has established with Bishop O’Connell, both in the classroom and on the athletic field. His remarks for the afternoon were inspired by the words from the 2004 Natasha Bedingfield song, “Unwritten.” He reminded the graduates that this was a new beginning for them, and the path is yet undefined. “Put your faith in God, put passion in everything, and you will be spectacular and successful,” he said.
After the presentation of the diplomas, Principal Joseph Vorbach welcomed the students as fellow alumni of Bishop O’Connell. He encouraged these new alumni to share their “God-given talents” to bring about good in this world. “Bloom where you are planted,” he said, drawing on the same encouragement he often heard when he was younger.
Bishop Loverde closed the celebration with the benediction, reminding the new graduates that a “commencement” is a beginning, not an end.