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NEWS FROM THE HIVE
STANDING TOGETHER 124 DIPLOMAS TO GRAY BEES AT 147TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Nearly four years ago, they met as strangers in Shanley Gymnasium for the Freshman Overnight. On June 6, the Class of 2021 stood together and graduated as brothers during the 147th Commencement Exercises at St. Benedict’s Prep. The emotion-filled ceremony followed the inaugural Commencement for the Girls Prep Division held on June 5. “Although this was a surreal and unpredictable year, we got through it all,” stated Valedictorian Adelynne Antilus ’21 in her address to graduates. “Becoming part of the St. Benedict’s Prep community was a challenge, and although we may not have gotten to experience it to the fullest, I know I’m glad to have taken on this challenge.” Adelynne, who graduated with a 3.99 GPA, will attend Rutgers University and plans to study computer science. Salutatorian and Blue Section Leader of the Boys Prep Division Samuel Pineda ’21 also spoke of the challenges of senior year. “It was the togetherness of Benedict’s that saved the Class of 2021,” he said. “I’ll go out on a limb here and say that no other 2
St. Benedict’s Prep Magazine • Summer 2021
class cares for each other as much as we do. We’ve got to keep loving each other. We’ve got to keep loving Benedict’s, and as we go into the next phase of our lives, we have to bring the love and togetherness we shared at St. Benedict’s with us.” Valedictorian and Senior Group Leader Sunil Das ’21 told his Benedict’s brothers he was “beyond proud” to graduate with this class. “With everything that happened [this year] we stand together again. The Class of 2021 is special and will forever be remembered for our perseverance and leadership.” Samuel is headed to Seton Hall University and Sunil will attend Fairfield University. Eighty-nine percent of graduating seniors from the Boys Prep Division and 100% of graduating seniors from the Girls Prep Division are college bound this fall. They are matriculating to a diverse array of public, private and Catholic colleges and universities. A number of Gray Bees are planning a gap year, entering the military or beginning apprenticeships.
