KINGSTON — The Prout School celebrated the graduation of 142 seniors June 9 at the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island in a ceremony that lauded their many achievements as individuals and as a class.
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In her address, Salutatorian Alexis Duncan compared their past four years and their future to the classic 80s movies “The Breakfast Club” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
“When the Breakfast Club left Saturday detention, they were different people than the ones who had entered that morning, and unexpectedly, it was all because of each other. The Class of 2015 has been the same way. We’ve changed each other, whether we’ve realized it or not. We’re going out into the world as better people than we were four years ago,” Duncan said.
“As we move on to wherever life takes us next, keep that in mind, and move on to change even more lives, and leave your own unique mark on the world, just like Ferris Bueller did when he belted out Twist and Shout,” she added.
Valedictorian Zachary Neronha told graduates that the keys to success are self-confidence, authenticity and passion for what you do. “While talent and hard work can take us far, what truly sustains our success and allows it to endure is an undying authentic passion for what we do. For when we do something because we love it, we will work harder than we ever could have otherwise,” he said.
Already, the Class of 2015 has seen success: 26 seniors had a GPA of 4.0 and higher. Also, Prout, which is one of the U.S. Catholic schools to be accepted into the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, had at least eight seniors graduate with IB degrees, which require additional courses and extra work from students.
Outside of the classroom, the girls swim team won the Division I championship and the boys lacrosse team capped off an undefeated season with a Division II championship. On stage, student musicians have performed everywhere from statewide stages to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
All that hard work and passion have paid off for students: seniors have won a combined $13.5 million in scholarships and awards and been accepted to some of the finest schools in the country, including the University of Michigan, Cornell, Brown and Notre Dame.
“Perhaps our greatest accomplishment has been the atmosphere of friendship, fun, and good laughs that we have all had together. Our class has truly been one of a kind. In a way, I wish we have more time together, that there is an extension of some sort,” Class President Ryan King told seniors. “But now it’s time to move on.”
His advice to classmates: “Make smart decisions, take everything seriously, have fun and relentlessly pursue happiness.”
Principal David Carradini reinforced Neronha’s emphasis on authenticity. “How then do we live authenticity when authenticity seems difficult? You live your values and your commitments, to God, to others, and yourself come what may. You have to know those values and those commitments and you have to know that you are committed to them for the long haul, whatever it costs,” Carradini said.
But values and commitment are not enough, Carradini added. We are all also called to live out the virtue of Christian love, as described in the Bible by St. Paul and by such mystic writers as St. John of the Cross, according to Carradini.
“To show this kind of love, to live this love, when others do not perceive your love is one of life’s greatest challenges. But it is a challenge we must accept if we are to live authentically. And the key is to determine to love what and whom you find difficult to love,” he said.
The diocese was represented by Daniel Ferris, the diocesan superintendent and Auxiliary Bishop Robert Evans, who delivered the benediction for the ceremony.
In addition to recognizing the top two students, the school also awards The Prout Crusader Award to a senior who “best exemplifies the ideals of The Prout School.” This year’s recipient was Matthew Cook. He also was recognized with The Principal’s Award. The Elizabeth Prout Christian Service Award, which honors the school’s namesake, went to Nicole Villa.
A number of seniors have also won state and national distinctions. Thomas Desmarais received the St. Timothy Award, which the school said is the “highest national youth ministry award a Catholic youth can receive for integrity, leadership and service.” And fellow classmate Austin Ahearn was presented with the one of the 2015 Hobey Baker High School Character Awards at the Statehouse the week before graduation. (The award winners are chosen by the Rhode Island Interscholastic Hockey Coaches Association and the Hobey Baker Foundation.)
After the ceremony, graduate Caroline Tousignant, of Wickford, was overjoyed. “Feels awesome, I’m so happy,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s here. I can’t believe this day has come.”
“I’m thrilled to death for her,” said her mother, Lauren. “I wish them the best of luck and all my love.”
