WARREN – The members of Our Lady of Fatima’s Class of 2011 left a rich legacy of academic achievement and community service when they graduated last Friday evening in ceremonies held in the school gym.
“They’re unique in every respect,” said Fatima Principal St. Dorothy Sister Mary Margaret Souza. “They are a class that keeps you on your toes.”
The longtime educator noted that while the small class of 16 enjoyed having fun, its members also had a serious side and were committed to their studies and to public service. All of the graduates have been accepted by institutions of higher learning, and several of the students received considerable academic scholarships.
Inspired by the immortal poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, Valedictorian Emily Nicole Mercer told the graduates “four years ago, as we left middle school, we were faced with a fork in the road and each of us here tonight chose that road less traveled.
“… We chose a small, Catholic school where we trusted we would strengthen our faith and learn to live as best we can in God’s light,” said Mercer. “May we remember what we have learned from our parents and teachers and base our decisions on God’s moral law.”
Mercer, a parishioner of St. Teresa Church, Pawtucket, will attend Providence College, where she received a full, four-year academic scholarship.
“There will be potholes, too, that present dangers that must be avoided,” she continued, When those potholes present themselves – and they undoubtedly will, we will faithfully remember our last four years, and the lessons we learned here, and we will do what is morally right. Our decisions will guide us back to smooth pavement.”
Salutatorian and Class President Megan Silva told her classmates that “the future is in our hands
“The choices we make from here depend on us,” she said. “We have the ability to strengthen the future, both individually and as a community. It’s a time like this that moves us to find the greatness we have inside our hearts, souls and minds – that same greatness that rediscovers and defines who we are.”
Silva, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Bristol, will attend Salve Regina University, Newport, where she will major in elementary education and hopes for a career in Catholic schools.
“I learned compassion, integrity and love here,” said Silva, minutes before the graduation ceremony. “I have a new appreciation for God and the world around me.”
Gregory Rapoza, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk, Mass., enjoyed the family-like atmosphere that the school provides for its students.
“It taught me the value of friendship,” said Rapoza, who will attend Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, where he will major in communications and film studies.
Sister Souza challenged the graduates to “dare to dream” and “dare to live the core values” that they were taught at Fatima.
“Each of you is uniquely gifted and beautiful,” she said, urging the young men and women “to work for the betterment of all people.”
“Make prayer a priority,” Sister Souza concluded. “Nothing in life will serve you better.”
CLASS OF 2011
Rebekah Aubin
Andrew Bretz
Mitchell Brogan
Audrey Collins
Victoria Harris
Andrew Jones
Justine Lavoie
Jonathan LeMay
Michael Mangina
Emily Mercer
Eric Norman
Tyler Oliveira
Jasmyne Raposa
Gregory Rapoza
Megan Silva
Grace Warren
