Bishop O'Connell High School held its 59th commencement exercises at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 30. The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, presented diplomas to the 306 members of the class of 2019.
William Becht, the class salutatorian, reflected on the past four years, focusing on the graduating class's growth as a supportive community. He addressed the class of 2019 saying, "We share a lasting bond that connects us as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are family...through success and through failure, we are never alone."
Alexandra Barrett, the class valedictorian, continued with the theme of community in her remarks. "The thing that has always astounded me the most about this class is the support we have for one another. The world we live in today sometimes makes it hard to remember that happiness does not depend on what jobs we have or the amount of money we make. Instead happiness comes from family gathered around you, the friends sitting beside you, the memories you have made together, but most importantly, it stems from God and our faith."
God Bless the Class of 2019!
MORE INFORMATION
Enjoy a collection of photos from the Class of 2019 commencement below or CLICK HERE.
View a list of colleges and universities where these students are enrolling this fall.
Find out more about honors and awards for the Class of 2019.