3 minute read
2022 Graduation
A Magnificent Setting for an Exceptional Class
The Class of ’22 celebrates on the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral St. Patrick’s Cathedral was once again the setting for Notre Dame’s graduation ceremony on June 7, 2022. The Class of ’22 had been on an extraordinary journey together as in-person learning halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the middle of their sophomore year, and a hybrid schedule was implemented for their junior year. Fortunately, they were back together for normal in-person classes during the 2021-22 school year, having had time to reflect, make the most of all those Zoom sessions, and appreciate their high school experience all the more. Indeed, 100% of the graduating class is matriculating at a 4-year college or university, with 96% earning academic scholarships totaling 30 million dollars.
Theology teacher Kevin McDonald offered the ceremony’s Invocation. ND’s president Dr. Virginia O’Brien, SU delivered opening remarks of thanks and congratulations, noting that the Class of ’22 had “demonstrated again and again the value of perseverance.” She concluded her remarks with the following exhortation:
“Be courageous! Let your light shine forth. Engage in lifelong education. Seek the truth in all things and work to make the world more just and peaceful. Be attentive to God’s spirit who will help you discern the path ahead and bring you a joy that no one can take from you.”
Christina Valenti ’22 was selected to give the Address to the Graduates. She likened their high school years to a puzzle that was presented to be solved and served as a forerunner of all the puzzles that lay ahead:
“As we leave today, and when the inevitable difficulties come flying at us as we attempt to navigate our way through a brand new stage, we must remember, trying to do it all yourself is really hard…. But if we can take anything from ND, it’s that leaning on your community definitely makes things easier. We are all incredibly strong, intelligent, motivated, passionate, relentless young women, and we will all do incredible things.”
Annika Hegde and Briana Martinez-Burns
Amelia Pimentel and Fiona Szeto Sr. Virginia O’Brien, S.U. and Ionan Donose
Madison Morante, Annie Lu, Sissel Nyarko, Kristine Mantilla, Delgracia Sainvil, and Isabelle Mietus
After the awarding of honors, Student Council President Hannah Delaney ’22 took to the podium for the Farewell Address. Hannah reflected on the passage of time over the four years of high school and the experience of isolation during the height of the pandemic that caused discomfort but also prompted growth and resilience for her classmates and herself:
“Although it felt like time was taken from us, we were paradoxically left with all this time and seemingly not much to do with it. But when we lost one another, we were left with ourselves. We had to get to know ourselves by ourselves. Most people in life have gotten to grow alongside their peers in a safe environment; we had to find ourselves by ourselves. It is difficult to sit alone with yourself and be forced to face things you’ve avoided, but in the end that solitude offered us so many opportunities for growth and new connections.”
After the administrative team conferred the diplomas, Principal Karina Vargas bestowed a final blessing upon the Class of ’22, and graduates, faculty, staff, family and friends streamed out to a glorious, if cloudy, summer evening on Fifth Avenue for more photos and further festivities. Congratulations to the Class of ’22, the newest members of the Notre Dame alumnae community!
Alexandra Sperling adjusts the cap of Helena Stuhr
