WARREN — When Our Lady of Fatima High School commencement speaker Dr. Camille Brown asked school Principal St. Dorothy Sister Mary Margaret Souza to describe the 32 members of the Class of 2008, the sister replied that they were “industrious, responsible, cooperative, dependable and unique” and that they appreciated the education that they received.
“Our world needs citizens like you, people who know the Gospel and live with a spirit of hope,” Brown – education coordinator of the diocesan Catholic School Office – told the graduates June 6 during the school’s 39th commencement.
She added that “the one who has hope lives differently” and “stands up for what is right even when they are standing alone. I wish you to be a people of hope.”
The hour-long ceremony, held in the school auditorium, began with the singing of the national Anthem, followed by an invocation, offered by Assistant Principal Kenneth Ascoli. Musical selections included “Bring it All Back” and a heartwarming rendition of “The Prayer.”
Brown presented diplomas to the blue-robed men and white-robed women graduates, while families and friends applauded and cheered for the members of the close-knit group. One woman used an air horn to show her happiness when her favorite graduate walked across the stage.
In her valedictory address, Kathleen R. Mulligan noted that June 6 marked the 64th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion in France, which liberated the occupied nation from Nazi control.
“The freedom we possess is due in part to the heroism of the soldiers on that day, of that generation, a generation appropriately named ‘the greatest generation.’ So let us not waste our gift of freedom,” said Mulligan. “Using the knowledge that we have learned, the values we have gathered, and the wisdom of our faith, our mission is to go forth and inspire another generation.”
Noting that the small class had developed a close bond, Mulligan said one of the “true gifts of school is the intimacy one develops with classmates and the ability to interact with others. These are skills we will all use in our lifetime, and we will find success in life with the support of our cherished friends.”
Salutatorian Bridget Taylor told classmates that she was inspired by the many qualities that the Warren school had imparted.
“As I was walking down the hall a few weeks ago, I was struck by four words displayed on a Fatima recruiting sign: Faith, Facts, Friends and Fun. I realized that as we spent our time here, we really acquired or lived and enjoyed all four of these qualities, the first being Faith,” said Taylor.
She added that the class will share many unforgettable memories, such as sleeping in boxes on the school’s front lawn in winter to experience the plight of the homeless, to traveling to New York to see Pope Benedict XVI to marching in Washington to support life.
Photos courtesy Our Lady of Fatima High School
graduates: From left, Megan Devol, Sara Morrison, Matthew Silva, James Melfi pose in their caps and gowns following the ceremony last Friday evening. They were among 32 members of the class of 2008.
Congratulations: Left to right, Nolan Rabideau, Brittany DiPippo, Scott Deschenes show off their medals and ribbons, each of which denotes a different academic honor.
Todd Derek Amaral
Ross James Baptista
Kaitlin Marie Barboza
Paul Arthur Boucher, Jr.
Krystal Brum
Brian Adam Butterworth
Jacob Ross Costa
Robert Paul Croteau
Lisa Marie D’Arcangelo
Scott D. Deschenes
Megan Elizabeth Devol
Brittany Nicole DiPippo
Desinee Megan Dow
Alexandra Farrell
Amanda Suzann Francisco
Alicia Jordan Hunt
Marcy Januario
Brittany Jeanne Johnson
Jonathan Peter Kelleher
Victoria Lynn LoBello
Justin Kenneth Madeiro
Adrian John Mascena
James Raymond Melfi
Sara Marie Morrison
Kathleen Rose Mulligan
Daniel William Nenart
Matthew David Pires
Nolan Hoffma Rabideau
Cristina Marie Rainville
Matthew James Silva
Bridget Ann Taylor
David Michael Thomson
