Bishop O'Connell High School held its 56th commencement exercise at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, June 2. Rev. Gregory Thompson, presented diplomas to the 261 members of the class of 2016.
Included in that number were 30 legacies, that is, graduates with a parent who is an O'Connell alum. There were also 15 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 asked the soon-to-be graduates to not rush their mind through this day: "Absorb the details--the depth of the love expressed in the hugs of loved ones, the words of pride expressed by your parents and others who have helped you grow, the admiration of the faculty for your accomplishments, the moment you receive your diploma, the time with classmates outside the Shrine when we conclude."
Marissa Luna, the class salutatorian, compared the past four years to a fairy tale that brought 261 different stories together into one O'Connell family. She reflected on the elements of their story: raising $500,000 to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, a pilgrimage to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia, a Kairos retreat and much more. In the end, she shared a quote from Albert Einstein: "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." Marissa is headed to Stanford University in the fall.
Alexandra Rodriguez, the class valedictorian opened her address with a quote from Maya Angelou: "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel."
"Maya Angelou was right in saying that feelings are unforgettable," Alexandra, who is also heading to Stanford University, added. "Although we may not remember every word, act, or encounter from our time here at O'Connell, we will always maintain the impression our education, teachers, friends, families and faith have left on us during our time in high school."
Sister Bernadette McManigal, B.V.M., superintendent of school for the Diocese of Arlington, provided the commencement address. She reminded the soon-to-be graduates that today is a special day for their parents and teachers to celebrate what has been accomplished and what comes next. She gave the class of 2016 their last high school assignment, asking them three questions to ponder: What did you do well? Where did you struggle? What do you remember?
God Bless the Class of 2016!
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Honors and awards for the class of 2016
Colleges and universities where the class of 2016 is enrolling this fall
Graduation coverage in the Arlington Sun Gazette
Diego Garcia '16 highlighted in the Arlington Catholic Herald
Photos from the Baccalaureate Mass and Breakfast