St. Mary’s seniors bid adieu

LYNN – Even with a four-ticket per graduate limitation, St, Mary’s church was so packed at the 129th Commencement last night that many were left standing even before the ceremony began.Emotions ran high as the graduation got underway with a start at 6:30 p.m. As 147 graduates filed into the crowded church, boys in blue and girls in Spartan gold, parents stood and raised their cameras to capture smiling faces. Even as the former students sat and listened to an array of speakers and prayer, they couldn’t help but whoop, whistle, and cheer each time the number “2011” was said.To start, the speakers reminded the graduates of how far they had come. Alumni Relations Director Andrew Russo, Class of ’99, reminded the grads sitting before him of the connectedness they now shared with other alumni, and how previous graduates had contributed to make St. Mary’s what it is. “All roads lead to St. Mary’s,” said Russo.National Honor Society President Molly Whalen, reminisced in the salutatory address about the good times she had had with her class, citing inside jokes and memories. She reflected on how four years ago, someone had said to her, “‘Molly, these years will fly by.'” As a freshman with a desk full of homework, all I could think was, ‘Gee I hope so!'”Whalen, who was very much involved at her school on the volleyball team, Campus Ministry, choral group, and coordinator of more than a few charity drives, said, “I am proud to have gotten to know this class?all of us will go our own way with a little St. Mary’s in us.” Whalen, a recipient of the Harvard Book Award, will be attending Boston College in the fall.While other speakers remarked on the hard work, guest speaker Colonel Dave J. Clark of the U.S. Army and Valedictorian Karina Renee Lu Dube warned them of the challenges that lay ahead. Dube, who will be attending the University of Notre Dame, expressed wisdom beyond her years when she gave advice to her fellow classmates on how to approach the ups and downs of life. “Be mindful of your reputation?live with integrity?have passion and set goals?keep a positive outlook and sense of humor?be grateful?never doubt the power of prayer?keep calm and live on.” She ended her speech with a tribute to a popular YouTube video: “Who are we? We are champions. We are the Spartans of St. Mary’s.”Clark, St. Mary’s Class of ’77, Boston College grad, and Lynn native, received a standing ovation from the crowd as he took the podium. He first congratulated the Class of 2011, faculty, and parents for a job well done, and then got straight to business painting a picture of the state of the world the grads were entering: two foreign wars that were being fought for a decade, recession and high unemployment, messy politics, and celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen, whom he described as “nutty as squirrel turds.””It would be easy to accept that reality,” said Clark. “But that’s not what Americans do.” Clark went on to say that as bad as the situation seemed, it has been worse before, but “people have persevered and we’re still here.” He reminded the grads of the importance of serving fellow citizens, either through the military, political office, teaching, or giving through church or charity. “Our communities need help and our government can’t do it alone,” said Clark. “You have to make up the difference.”St. Mary’s High School’s Class of 2011 received approximately $8 million in scholarship money. While many headed off to schools around the country, some had plans to join the military, and some wished to stay close to home.”It was really fun,” said grad Pamela Blaise. “Everyone just got really close to each other.” Blaise is headed to Emmanuel College to study biology and pre-med.Two-year varsity basketball captain Ronsanto Sampbell is attending Curry College in the fall. He said of his high school experience, “St. Mary’s was a great time. From teachers, to sports, to the kids around, it was the best. I have no regrets in being at the school wh