Notre Dame Graduating Students Celebrate Accomplishments

During the eighth grade graduation on Friday evening, the 50 students, their families and faculty reflected on what the students accomplished during their time at the school and what their future holds.

The day's earlier illustrated this.

"This afternoon we celebrated so many of your accomplishments," Reverend William Slater, pastor of , said. "We have not seen a class which has accomplished as you have... You indeed are gifted. You are capable and you will accomplish much more."

Of the 50 graduating eighth graders all but two will be attending Catholic
high schools including St. Francis Prep, Kellenberg, and Sacred Heart, among others.

Frank Mina is happy to be a graduate of Notre Dame.

"I am extremely thrilled to be leaving this school," Mina said. "I have been here 11
years!"

Mina added that he will miss everybody, but is looking forward to his future at St. Francis Prep.

Paul Bergin said he was excited for his daughter Lily Ann who is also going to St.
Francis Prep.

"It was a wonderful night; a great experience for my daughter." Bergin said. "We are so proud of our daughter and very happy about the opportunities this school has given her for her future."

Principal Caryn Durkin reflected on the graduating eighth graders and their ceremony saying,  "It's a beautiful, exciting night for these children. It's the culmination of their elementary education. This is a very intelligent class, an achieving class which is social and community service-minded and we encourage this."

Talking about the work the graduating students have yet to complete, Rev. Slater said, "The gift you have to give to this world is to engage people where you go; to
share your values. I look forward to seeing God work in your lives. God bless you all."