Congratulations to the class of 2014!
CLICK HERE to view a slideshow.
Bishop O’Connell High School held its 54th 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 280 members of the class of 2014. Included in that number were 36 legacies, that is, graduates with a parent (or in one case, a grandparent) who is an O’Connell alum. There were also 22 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.
Head of School Joseph E. Vorbach III, a 1983 graduate himself, welcomed the students, families and honored guest to this celebration. He noted how this special occasion honors tradition, commitment and accomplishments. He pointed to the rich traditions of our Faith, the traditions of Catholic education, and the traditions of our school; the devoted commitment of Catholic school educators; the importance of family and the many sacrifices parents and others have made to bring the graduates to this very moment; and the accomplishments of the class of 2014. He shared a quote from Pope Francis as his closing words, “May we enter into true friendship with Jesus, so that following him closely, we may live with and for him.”
Sydney Boll, the class salutatorian, reminisced about the past four years—about the many firsts that the graduates experienced together. She recalled the journey that brought them from their freshman year to this graduation day, and shared her delight at the friendships made along the way. “We will always be Knights,” she said. “Long live the place where we grew into the young adults we are today—a place you can always call home.”
Alessandro Luna, the class valedictorian, reminded the graduates of the foundation that has been built during their past 18 years—a foundation of family and faith. He encouraged them to build on this foundation to create their own successes...successes measured not by monetary gains, but by hearing these words from family and mentors: “I am proud of you.” Luna acknowledged that everyone makes mistakes along the way, and failure can be viewed as an opportunity to reinvent your path. “There is a divine path with your name on it,” he said. “As you write your next chapter, never forget where you started.”
Catherine Murphy Keating, head of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Americas and chairwoman of the board of trustees at Villanova University, provided the commencement address. She is a 1980 graduate of Bishop O’Connell. Keating shared her fondness for her memories at O’Connell, but let the graduates know that the best is yet to come. She thanked the faculty for continuing to model faith and keep a focus on building a strong foundation for graduates each year. She encouraged the class of 2014 to spend as much time building their reputations as they do building their resumes. “Be known for your character—someone others can count on,” she said. “Be known as kind; be known to serve others. Stand up for what is right.”