Class of 2023 Celebrates Tree Ceremony and Baccalaureate Mass

The Class of 2023 donned their white caps and gown to process down the front steps of the Academy building to the sounds of Quintet for Clarinet and Strings in A by Mozart. The class gathered around the Joseph and Mary George Circle. 

 

President Mrs. Kathryn Purcell provided opening remarks and a welcome. Following Mrs. Purcell’s remarks, Vice President of Mission Dr. Jessica Wrobleski shared a heartfelt blessing for the class. Emma McConnell recited a poem written by Ilan Shamir titled “Advice from a Tree” before joining the other members of the Senior Leadership Team, which included Margaret Dalton, Evelyn Maloof, Ellen Martin, Cecelia Roche and Catherine Shepherd for the ceremonial planting of their class tree.

 

The class closed the ceremony with the singing of the alma mater on the front steps of the Academy building.

 

Following the Tree Ceremony, the Class of 2023 gathered along with their families at the Academy Center to celebrate their Baccalaureate Mass. Rev. Jim Winings of St. Raphael Parish joined them as presider.

 

During Mass, Student Council Officer Audrey Dinger read a scripture passage followed by Deirdre Fanning who sang the responsorial psalm. Fellow Student Council Officers Karen Kmiecik, Elizabeth Safran and Sarah Scott joined them in the offering of petitions. Lauren Blakely, Alivia Griwatch, Mia Hazard, Shannon Joyce, Mackenzie Koeth, Theresa Kratt, Marina Mastantuono and Kelsey Niehaus served as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. 

 

Following Communion, Principal Mr. Jeff Sutliff presented the Holy Family Award to the Safran family. Mr. Bob and Mrs. Tiffany Safran. Principal Mr. Jeff Sutliff shared "The Holy Family Award is presented to a family who has demonstrated remarkable dedication to Saint Joseph Academy throughout their daughter’s years here. Families like this one are the foundation of the Academy community."

 

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