Mount Saint Dominic Academy held its 117th annual commencement on Sunday, June 2, and among the graduates were seven Verona residents.
From Verona, Jessica Schnurr will be attending Loyola University Maryland, Arianne Mae Marquez will be attending Seton Hall University, Samantha Bahr will be attending George Washington University, Marguerite Ruzich will be attending New York University, Elise Kaslander will be attending Pennsylvania State University, Sara Balassone will be attending Towson University and Lillian Posner will be attending Oberlin College.
There were also six graduates from Cedar Grove. Margaret Coleman, the valedictorian, will be attending Villanova University. Carly Daniels will be attending Fairfield University, Jillian Giamo will be attending Pratt Institute, Kerrianne Masucci will be attending Philadelphia University, Hayley Pettengill and Taylor Paxson will be attending Eastwick College.
Coleman, a member of the National Honor Society who received First Honors for every marking period throughout her high school career, gave the valedictory address. At the ceremony Coleman addressed her fellow graduates, faculty, staff, parents and guests: “Somewhere along the way, we transitioned from timid fourteen year old girls who barely knew ourselves to sixty-four of the most unique, brilliant and empowered young women.” She continued in the farewell, “Each and every one of us has the ability, knowledge, and the potential to dream beyond all reason, beyond all doubt and accomplish things beyond our wildest imaginations. Never let the magnitude of the world around you keep you from recognizing the greatness within. Appreciate the world for all it has to offer, but never forget to look inward and appreciate all that you have to offer the world.”
The graduating class of 64 students has been accepted at 142 schools and was awarded over $10.3 million in scholarships and grants.
Graduates (l-r): Lily Posner, Margaret Coleman, Kerrianne Masucci, Ariane Marquez, Hayley Pettengill, Sara Balassone, Taylor Paxson, Sam Bahr, Jessica Schurr, Carly Daniels, Jillian Giamo, Elise Kaslander and Maggie Ruzich.