The Rosarian Academy graduated 38 young men and women from its eighth grade class on Thursday, June 2 at a ceremony in the school theater. Class of 2011 alumna Alexandra Murray addressed the Class of 2016 as the commencement speaker.
Murray recalled the strong foundation that the Rosarian Academy provided her and offered her experience as a recent high school graduate.
“When I make decisions, I rely on the moral codes and values I learned here. I have found that if I prioritize love and kindness in my life, everything else follows,” said Murray, who encouraged the students to take chances as they proceed into high school, because there is no right path. “The only way to find it is to take chances. This means leaving your comfort zone once in a while. These are opportunities for you to find what you’re passionate about.”
Murray, a Charter Club member of the Rosarian Academy, attended the school continuously from the Early Childhood Montessori program through eighth grade. She graduated as valedictorian of the Benjamin School’s Class of 2015 and just completed her first year at Harvard University.
Following the commencement address, eighth-grade class officers — Meredith Anderson, Mariana Perez-Vargas and Lauren Bartl — presented the class gift of more than $3,000 to be used for the service and support of those in need. Last year’s Class of 2015 started the fund to support students who may need financial assistance in order to participate in events such as the annual eighth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C., and challenged future classes to perpetuate the gift. The Class of 2016 gladly met the challenge.
Special awards given to students included the 2016 President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, presented to Meredith Anderson for earning the highest academic achievement in the class; the 2016 President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, given to Mason Adams for making an outstanding effort to learn and improve in academic subjects; the St. Dominic Award, presented to Liam Groth and Mariana Perez-Vargas for demonstrating a strong belief in God, the pursuit of truth in all forms, and the Christian values of kindness, respect and integrity; and the Rowdy Award, honoring Lily Cook for three years of outstanding dedication and participation in school athletics.
Outstanding achievement in subject area awards went to: Religion, Bard Rockenbach; Language Arts, Charlotte Breckenridge; Science and Geometry, Thomas Raymond; Algebra I Honors, Mariana Perez-Vargas; Pre-Algebra, Mason Adams; History, Daisy Cook; Spanish, Laura Narcisse; Art, Peter Fields; Drama, Lolly Colton; Physical Education, Robert Fox; and Computer Programming, Frances Melendez.
Rosarian Academy is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. For more info., visit www.rosarian.org or call (561) 832-5131.
ABOVE: The Rosarian Academy’s Class of 2016.
