Holy Cross Graduates 8th Graders with Camaraderie and Pride

The 8th grade class of Holy Cross School graduated Friday, June 10. While elementary school graduation is always a momentous occasion, as the wider world of high school comes with a wider set of pressures, stresses, and opportunities, this land stone is particularly meaningful to the students of Holy Cross. After spending the past eight years in the tightly knit community of the church, they now face the decision of whether or not to continue their Catholic education throughout high school.

The ceremony focused heavily upon this decision, as the many speakers stressed the benefits that a Catholic education provides like a sense of self-respect, a place within a tight-knit community and a life-long connection to a higher power.

A high light of the ceremony was the presence of Bishop David O’Connell, the former president of Catholic University and newly appointed Bishop of the Trenton Diocese. In his speech, freckled with humor and sentimentality, Bishop O’Connell spoke very seriously about his belief in the Catholic education system. He asked students to maintain a sense of self amongst the often negative pressures of high school by keeping the lessons of religion in their hearts and minds.

“Jesus Christ will never let you down,” the Bishop told the students in his speech. “Jesus Christ is what brings you all together, and what holds you together.” 

Likewise, Bishop O’Connell praised the community of the Holy Cross School for the values that the parents and teachers instilled in the students. “I hope you realize how fortunate you are to graduate from a school with a set of values," he said. "As you move forward in your education, remember all the love that it took to get you here. Make a decision to never forget that.”

Along with Bishop O’Connell, the President of the Student Council Alison Kazalski spoke about her classmates. She also touched upon the values with which she would leave Holy Cross, focusing primarily on the importance of loving oneself and appreciating the talents of one’s peers. She explained that the “school theme” this year was to love one another. “As I reflected on this theme all year, I thought why not love yourself?” she said. Upon leaving Holy Cross, she urged her peers to “remember who you are and who God made you to be.”

Finally, Kazalski spoke about another major change high school will bring to the students’ lives: separation from one another.  “Most of us have known each other since pre-school, and now we’re going our separate ways,” she explained. While some of the class will continue their Catholic education at Red Bank Catholic High School, many students choose to pursue other options.

After her acceptance into the vocal program, Julia Sullivan will attend Red Bank Regional High School in the fall. Likewise, her classmate Kellie Lemoine has chosen to pursue her love of science at Biotech High School.

Upon explaining their high school plans, however, the students were quick to add that they would remain friends despite the separation. It is this very sense of camaraderie that the Principal Graham explained when she defined the class. “It is very clear that you enjoy each other’s company and that you respect each other’s differences,” she said. “You have been a wonderful example for the younger students.”

It was clear at the graduation that the Holy Cross School will miss this special class as they move forward in their educational careers.

Congratulation to the graduates and best of luck!