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President's Graduation Address
We are privileged to be here this evening in this magnificent Cathedral of St. Joseph and in the presence of God to celebrate the 41st Commencement Exercises for St. Paul Catholic High School.
We recognize that this night is only possible because of the commitment, sacrifice, and partnership of many who care and believe in St. Paul Catholic High School. On behalf of our school community, I wish to thank our spiritual leaders, Archbishop Mansell, Bishop Rosazza, Bishop Macaluso as well as Mr. Hoyt and the staff of the Office of Catholic Schools for your generosity, trust and valued guidance. We are most grateful!
On a personal note, Bishop Rosazza, we are honored that you are presiding this evening. Thank you for visiting last year and celebrating Mass with our school community on the feast of the Conversation of St. Paul. And tomorrow, St. Paul Catholic will be honored to be the site of the first annual Bishop Peter Rosazza Social Justice Conference in celebration of your 75th birthday and in recognition of your passion and commitment to the work of social justice during your 49 years of ordained ministry.
Also, I’d like to acknowledge Fr. Timothy O’Brien, past president as well as members of the St. Paul school board, who are here this evening, for your volunteer leadership and dedication to the growth of our school.
To members of the administrative team, distinguished faculty and staff, thank you for your passion and tireless efforts to deliver on our promise of becoming a great Catholic high school.
To those whom much is given … much is expected.
I’ve said this many times, you are and will be remembered as a great class. Greatness as defined by goodness, excellence, character and service.
Individually and collectively you have achieved many accomplishments. We have national honor society members, scholar-athletes, all-league, all-state, and all-American recipients, Hall of Fame honorees, youth of the year selections, “Spirit of Broadway” awardees, scholastic art winners, and state champions, just to name a few. You have provided and inspired us with many memorable moments. And you have established a consistent level of excellence in the classroom, on the athletic fields and on stage that we haven’t experienced in awhile. Good was simply not good enough for you!
But in the end, its events like last night’s senior class mass and graduation this evening in this holy setting that defines who we are and differentiates us from others.
In the words of St. Paul, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Our greatest calling is to touch the minds and hearts of others. Class of 2010, as disciplines of Christ, the time has come to spread your falcon wings and soar, following God’s plan for your future. Do so in confidence with the brilliance, youthful enthusiasm, courage and most importantly, as Jordan (valedictorian) described the spirit that you created and experienced at St. Paul. And, as Linda (salutatorian) quoted, “bloom where you are planted” thus ensuring the spirit of St. Paul will continue to live wherever you take it.
Last night, I received a gift from you that reads, “Some people come into your life … and end up changing your world.” Know that you have changed mine.
To those whom much is given … much is expected. I wish you all the very best that life has to offer.
Yours in St. Paul,
Cary M. Dupont ‘72
President
Congratulations, Class of 2010!
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