PEABODY — Bishop Fenwick High School graduated 97 seniors Thursday afternoon.
Due to heavy rains and a possible Nor’easter, the ceremony, which usually takes place on Donaldson Field, was moved to the auditorium instead. Despite the gloomy weather and change in location, the energy in the room was still bright, and family and friends cheered on each student.
After an invocation from Fr. Luis Hernández, president of the alumni board, Shane McCarthy spoke, welcoming the Class of 2025 as the newest group of alumni.
“What an honor it is to be here. I was in your seat 38 years ago. As president of Fenwick’s alumni board, I am pleased and honored to be the first to welcome the Class of 2025 to the Fenwick alumni family,” McCarthy said.
The president of the graduating class, Caroline Perry, was then invited up to speak, thanking Fenwick President Thomas E. Nunan. Principal Christopher Canniff, the faculty, those in attendance, and, of course, her fellow graduates
“Our Bishop Fenwick crusade is coming to an end. It played out in our classrooms, theaters, studios, courts, fields, and tracks. We crusaded at local, regional, and national events. Demonstrated grit, loyalty, strength, and dedication to our school, our community, and to ourselves,” Perry said.
She continued, saying that there were always times of uncertainty, but now they had made it to the finish line and had spent four years growing as individuals, “reaching countless goals and creating lasting friendships.”
Nunan thanked Perry for her words, calling her an “exemplary leader and a wonderfully positive presence,” at the school, announcing that she would be continuing her crusade at the College of the Holy Cross.
Before the speeches continued, Nunan introduced the Fenwick Choir, led by Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair Dr. Kellie Tropeano, for the performance of the song “Unwritten.”
Salutatorian Celia Lewis spoke next, touching on how this wasn’t a journey that she did alone, thanking all those who walked by her side along the way.
“I’m so grateful for all of the people who supported me, but I also want to acknowledge there were moments when self-assurance was overshadowed by self-doubt. When I first entered Fenwick, I silently set a goal for myself. I wanted to be the salutatorian,” she said.
Lewis was convinced she would never reach that goal or find her place, but now she has discovered who she is.
“About a year ago, I experienced one of my hardest moments, the unexpected loss of my grandfather. I didn’t realize it then, but his final words to me would be one of his greatest gifts. He taught me the perfect goodbye. He showed me that there were three parts: ‘I love you,’ I’m proud of you, and I’ll see you soon,'” she said.
Before departing from the stage, Lewis gave that same goodbye to all her classmates.
The John J. Meehan Service Award was then presented to two exemplary staff members, Carlos Gonzalez and Geovanny Moya. The Bishop Benedict Joseph Award was given to Lewis and Valedictorian Daniel Rowan, who then went to the podium to give his valedictory address.
Rowan spoke on the lessons he learned that impacted him and his faith, which grew during his time at Fenwick.
“I am thankful for all of you, my classmates, for sharing notes, studying for tests, and talking in homeroom… You’re the reason I enjoyed coming to school every day. Thank you to the entire faculty and staff at Bishop Fenwick. You work long hours tirelessly to make sure we learn in the best possible environment where we can all succeed,” he said.
Rowan went on to name some of the teachers and what they did to make the school the place that it is.
He also highlighted faith during his speech, saying, “Fenwick has shown me the necessity of a faith education. That’s what led me here in the first place. I didn’t choose my high school based on which had the most fields, the largest gyms, or the most 3D printers. I chose Fenwick because it has daily mass, two priests, and a chapel where the Eucharist is present 24/7.”
Next, the students lined up and were handed their diplomas, and of course, it wouldn’t be a Bishop Fenwick graduation without the presentation of the sunflowers, a tradition that has always held strong, honoring Saint Julie Billiart, founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
After receiving their diplomas and changing their tassels, the now graduated class sat for one more speech from Nunan, and instead of choosing to use quotes from famous people to send the class off on their procession, he chose to take quotes from the students’ very own speeches from their Fenwick Cadet speeches.
“These are your observations, this is your wisdom… They are as inspiring as anything I could find,” Nunan said. He then began reading off some of those speeches, which said, “Ever since I was little, my dad was my rock. He was always there for me;” “My mom took care of me and I cannot thank her enough for that. She saved me;” “I truly admire the selflessness it took for my parents to raise us. I try to act like them, never selfish always respectful and keeping God first;” and “The Winnie the Pooh wallpaper stays uncovered so whenever I look at my wall I will always see my grandfather.”
The graduates then processed to the gym where they tossed their caps into the air before being greeted by family and friends.
