Congratulations, Class of 2022!
On May 31, the Class of 2022 processed from Our Lady of Angels Church up Rocky River Drive for their commencement.
The heat did not deter the Saint Joseph Academy and West Park community from lining the street to cheer on the 2022 graduates. President Kathryn Purcell and Commencement Speaker and Ohio State Representative Bride Sweeney ’10.
Commencement opened with the singing of the Alma Mater and a Welcome Address from Principal Mr. Jeff Sutliff followed by a scripture reading from Valedictorian and National Merit Finalist Morgan Rudolph. Also recognized during the ceremony were Salutatorian and National Merit Finalist Elizabeth Gerrity and Phi Beta Kappa and National Merit Finalist Jessica Kowalski.
Bride’s commencement address reflected on her career journey and spoke to her devotion to 'serving the dear neighbor' and how it is a direct reflection of the values rooted in her alma mater. “While you may feel it now or not, one of the great parts about being SJA alumnae is the sisterhood,” shared Bride. She also advised the Class of 2022, “You have one of the best gifts now, which is being a part of a forever sisterhood. Seek it out and cherish it.” Delivering the Commencement address is an honor on its own, but the opportunity was even more special as her younger sister Margaret Sweeney (granddaughter of Bride Ann Gallagher Sweeney '50+, daughter of Katherine Dempsey Sweeney '81+, sister of Molly '09 and Samantha '14) was a member of the graduating class.
Student speaker Isabella Congelio shared, “I don’t know what happened, but over the years we went from strangers to friends to family, and I am so grateful. We have experienced a lot together as a class, and I hope that not a single person here forgets all the memories we have made.” She also said, “As we close our senior storybook and open a new one, may we always remember what has been told to us every morning for the last four years…sursum corda. Let us go into the world and lift up our hearts.”
The Class of 2022 has been accepted to more than 135 colleges and universities across the country and has received more than $28 million in merit-based scholarships. Two students received full-tuition scholarships: Mercedes Lewandowski received a full scholarship from New York University (NYU) and Shirley Diaz received a full scholarship from Ursuline College.
