Villa Vicoria Academy, Ewing

The Class of 2021 are all smiles on their graduation day.

 Villa Victoria

Academy

EWING 

Graduates: 21 Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement: June 6, 2021 Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing Scholarships Received: $7.5 million

Valedictorian: Macey Elizabeth Bartels

Co-Salutatorian: Leigh Regina Machion

Co-Salutatorian: Elise Carroll Stankus

Villa Victoria graduates ready to set sail from their Ewing port

BY BRIANNA PALMER  Correspondent

The 21 young women who comprised Villa Victoria Academy’s 84th graduating class were sent forth with words of encouragement and sound advice during commencement exercises held June 6.

Keynote speaker Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Maureen Shaw first asked the young women to take inspiration from St. Francis de Sales who said, “Be who you are and be that well.”

Citing that they are “women of integrity, value-centered and compassionate,” Sister Maureen, who serves on the faculty of Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, said, “The world needs you. Continue to share these qualities with all you meet. You are well prepared for success.”

For the all-girls private school in Ewing, the 2021 graduation began with a Baccalaureate Mass celebrated by Msgr. John K. Dermond, a retired priest of the Diocese who continues to serve as a Tribunal judge.

At the start of Mass, the class’ two salutatorians, Leigh Machion and Elise Stankus, each had an opportunity to give an address.

“Villa is our port and has been our home, but it is now time to set sail and go forth from our home to college and beyond,” said Machion, who commended her classmates on how they formed the “strongest sisterhood” she has ever known.

Focusing on a faith perspective, Stankus gave thanks to God and reflected on St. Lucy Filippini, foundress of the Maestre Pie Filippini, the community of religious women who have staffed the academy since it was established. Stankus also recognized her classmates to whom she referred to as “strong, intelligent, faith-filled young women.”

During the graduation exercises that followed the Mass, valedictorian Macey Bartels

___________________  __________________ “I know that graduating is scary, because suddenly we are on our own, but being on our own does not mean the same thing as being alone.” Macey Bartels, valedictorian ___________________  __________________

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Co-salutatorian Elise Stankus receives Holy Communion from Msgr. Dermond during Mass. Hal Brown photos

CONGRATULATIONS

the CLass of 2021 will be attending

BOSTON UNIVERSITY (2) BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY ST. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY JOINT DEGREE PROGRAM CORNELL UNIVERSITY (2) DICKINSON COLLEGE DREW UNIVERSITY DREXEL UNIVERSITY DUKE UNIVERSITY ELON UNIVERSITY

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY FORDHAM UNIVERSITY FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY (2) HAVERFORD COLLEGE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

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