PORTSMOUTH — Under bright blue skies, the 115 members of Portsmouth Abbey’s Class of 2015 gathered together for the last time as students, as they processed across the vibrant green lawn of their quaint campus on the way into their commencement ceremony. Instead of a traditional cap and gown, the young men sported khaki pants and blue blazers, with a rose boutonnière, while the young ladies wore white dresses, and carried long-stemmed roses.
Father Joseph G. Healey, MM, a member of the Class of 1956, who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this year, served as the commencement speaker.
He spoke about his experiences as a missionary in Nairobi, Kenya.
Father Healey, 77, said that in his remaining productive years he wants to use his communications skills to help make the voice and people of Africa better known throughout the world – especially African values and the creative pastoral experiences of the Catholic Church in Africa.
“Many people in the west think Africa is a basket case, a disaster area – filled with war, poverty, hunger, disease and corruption,” he said. “Please don’t get the idea that all of Africa is grim and desperate.”
He said that Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Nyerere once said, “We have many problems, but we remain cheerful.”
“In fact Africans are some of the happiest, most joyful people that I have ever met — even in the midst of their material poverty. Also, we try to proclaim the Good News in Bad News situations.”
For Father Healey, who jokingly described himself as being on safari in the United States, after working for many years in Africa, world peace is the burning issue of our contemporary world.
“My hope is that leaders on the local, national and international levels have the political will to choose and actively promote peace over war and violence,” he said.
Margaret-Theresa Kearney Ingraham, class valedictorian, said she wished she could have just one more year at the school to experience the fun times she heard about from her friends as she spent much of her time on her studies alone in her room.
She lamented the fact that she didn’t take the time to explore all that Portsmouth Abbey had to offer to the fullest.
“I’ve taken my time here for granted, and I regret it,” she said wistfully in her address, one punctuated by a running inside joke that brought smiles to the faces of all in the crowd.
Ingraham, who said in an interview with Rhode Island Catholic before the ceremony that she began her studies at Portsmouth Abbey in her sophomore year, will study chemistry at St. Lawrence College in New York in September.
The graduating class was one with a truly international flavor. Students were studying here from China, Korea, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and even Trinidad, as well as from many areas across the U.S.
Even though she commuted to the Abbey from Bristol, Madison Fairbanks said she was always made to feel like she
“I felt welcomed the day I stepped on campus,” said Fairbanks, who will study finance at Providence College this fall.
Kai Smith traveled from Washington, D.C., four years ago visit the Abbey’s pastoral Portsmouth campus after learning about it through a school fair. Upon arrival then he knew right away this is where he wanted to attend high school.
“I’ve grown a lot because of this place. I’ve made my own little mark here,” he said.
Although he is not a Roman Catholic, Smith said he appreciates the solemnity of the campus, and the introspection it encourages in the students.
“It was a real change of pace for me,” said Smith, who plans to attend a community college in the Washington, D.C., area before moving on to a four-year college to pursue a degree in environmental studies.
Tristan Howlett, who didn’t have to travel very far from his home in Portsmouth to attend the Abbey, said his high school years there were a great experience.
“It’s one of the best decisions I ever made,” said Howlett, who will study business at Boston College this fall.
He said it was inspiring to attend high school with fellow students who represent a diversity of nations.
“You learn a lot about their culture, and it makes you want to go and study abroad,” said Howlett, who spent a month in Spain studying Spanish.
Headmaster Daniel McDonough sent the students off with some very sage advice as they begin the next phase of their very busy lives.
No matter where they go, or how hectic their days become, he advised the students to keep an open dialogue with God.
“Talk to God in your own words every day. He listens.”
