EAST GREENWICH -- In a Mass and awards ceremony held at OLM Church on Thursday, June 16, 46 8th graders from Our Lady of Mercy School were awarded Middle School diplomas.
Of those 46 students, 5 were awarded Gold Presidential Awards and 11 were awarded silver. Principal Sister Jeanne M. Barry, R.S.M. read a citation from President Barack Obama, commending the students for their academic achievements. The criteria for the Presidential Awards was as follows:
President's Award for Academic Excellence (Gold):
Students in this category achieved a grade of 4.5 and above in all core subjects throughout the three years of middle school. Gold Awards recipients were: Michaela Cottam, Kirsten Hanlon, Caitlyn Harrington, Kevin Madoian, and Tyler Williams
President's Award for Educational Achievement (Silver):
Students in this category achieved a grade of 4 and above in core subjects for all three years of Middle School. Silver Award recipients were: Allison Bernier, Ryan Caldwell, Alicia Couture, Alicia Covell, Grace Feisthamel, Charlotte Gemma, Paul Hong, Daniel Kent, Lauren Levesque, J. Andrew Paliotta, and Caroline Preston.
OLM Pastor Msgr. John Lolio was the main celebrant of the mass, with the Most Reverend Robert C. Evans, Auxiliary Bishop of Providence, and Assistant Pastor Charles Grondin concelebrating. Monsignor Anthony Mancini was the guest homilist.
Student Council President Tyler Williams delivered the commencement address, comparing their journey through OLM to an adventure on a sailboat, with challenges and an occasional “capsizing”, but “always with God as our lifejacket.”
Of the 46 graduates, 36 will be attending parochial high schools throughout the state, including Bishop Hendricken; St. Mary’s Academy- Bay View; LaSalle Academy and The Prout School. Four OLM graduates will attend private and charter schools and six will be attending public schools.
