by Garrett Fodor
Last Thursday evening, friends and family members of the Holy Name Catholic Elementary School graduates filled the pews at Holy Name of Jesus Church to celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of the 48 graduating students over the last school-year.
The graduation ceremony began with a mass led by Father Dave Bouette and Deacon Gary Flewelling. The service featured involvement from the graduating students, who spoke about faith and religion and how the education they received at Holy Name helped their faith.
At the conclusion of mass, there was an intermission and change-over for the graduation portion of the ceremony. The students were recognized for their individual accomplishments, both academically and athletically, at the school. The awards were presented to the students by the teachers who helped them along the way.
The evening concluded with a slideshow, featuring recent photos of each student beside their baby picture.
Valedictorian Nick Brady spoke on behalf of his graduating class, thanking parents and staff at the school for their help along the way as the students continued to further their education both in school and in faith. He added stories that happened throughout the year and what it meant to him and his classmates to be a Hawk.
This year, teachers Steve Gregetz and Tara Harris taught Holy Name’s grade eight students.
“Overall, the thing that stands out about this group is their willingness to accept everybody for who they are and the leadership they have shown at the school,” Gregetz said.
He added the grade eight students were responsible for running monthly assemblies. Because the students were enthusiastic, the school benefited from their involvement and grew a stronger school spirit.
Gregetz added many of the graduates have been classmates for 10-years and they celebrated as a whole during the graduation ceremony. Many of the students will attend Essex District High School next year, with a few opting to attend Cardinal Carter and Villanova to further their education in the Catholic School Board.