Commencement!

Mother Mary Berchmans confers a crescent pin during the graduation ceremony last Tuesday.

Sisters process toward the tent for the graduation ceremony on McNabb field.

U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, addresses the graduates.

At 11.00am last Tuesday morning the graduation procession, led by administration, sisters, faculty and the Board of Trustees, approached the tent on McNabb field. Just a few moments later, the graduates entered to Elgar's familiar processional.

The Honorable Margaret Spellings had thoughtful, humorous, serious and appropriately brief words of wisdom for the soon-to-be graduates. Amid her remarks, she spoke about the Salesian "little virtues" (which we hope our graduates have learned!) She remarked that "These same virtues have been the hallmark of this school for centuries. In a world full of change, the traditions and values of this institution remain constant -- and they're now more important than ever." She referred to the Holy Father's words during his visit in April and voiced agreement with his sentiment that we live in an age of great promise. In ending her remarks, she quoted one of her favorite sayings, "Well behaved women rarely make history." She qualified it by warning the graduates to behave but not to edit themselves, not to wait for anyone's permission to begin using their education.

Following the witty and insightful address the graduates were awarded their diplomas and their crescent pins. The weather was beautiful -- not as beautiful as our graduates, however, but perfect for the occasion. We pray that our newest crop of alumnae will bring "little virtues" to every corner of creation as they embark on new adventures.

A belated, but heartfelt, thanks to our Publications Director, Billie, for the snappy photos!