Notre Dame High School 2023 Graduation: Faith and family atmosphere bonds students
- May 29, 2023 Updated 16 hrs ago
Notre Dame High School’s Gabriella Deery, the Class of 2023 Valedictorian, walks in during the graduation ceremony Sunday at the school in Burlington. [John Gaines Photography]
The Notre Dame High School Class of 2023 graduation was Sunday at the school in Burlington. [John Gaines Photography]
The Notre Dame High School Class of 2023 experienced many successes on the road to graduation day this past Sunday. From back-to-back volleyball state championships, a state championship in soccer and state titles in wrestling the Notre Dame students, staff and parents have had a lot to cheer about over the years.
Lydia Becker, Notre Dame Class of 2018, pointed out that it was the many failures along the way that made possible all of the successes the class has celebrated.
Becker gave the keynote address at the commencement ceremony Sunday, in which the class of 31 students crossed the stage and became newly minted alumni.
“All of these accomplishments didn’t come without mistakes. Five years ago, I was extremely interested in what was next for me. What if I mess up? What if the people at my job don’t like me? All of those things happened,” Becker said.
Becker is a graduate of Villanova University and is currently attending the University of Maryland pursuing a PhD in criminology, with an emphasis on criminal justice policy making.
She has participated in a program with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office working with wrongfully convicted women. She also serves on a task force appointed by the Maryland Governor’s office studying how individuals with mental health and substance use disorders interact with law enforcement and how incarceration affects their conditions.
Becker said no one posts their bad days on social media — the messy break ups, bad interviews and 16-hour car trips home from spring break aren’t documented.
“And no one remembers those things like you do. Take time to appreciate those around you who dust you off when you fail,” Becker said. “Messing up means you are trying and growing. If you are doing everything perfectly you are probably a pretty boring person.”
Gabriella Derry, Valedictorian, gave the class address at Sunday’s commencement exercises. Derry spoke about the close connections made as students at Notre Dame.
“Everyone is everywhere here. You are involved by default,” Derry said. “God brought us here together to share the unique gifts we have to make us all stronger.”
Derry offered her fellow classmates the following advice: if you want something — do it. Never take no for an answer. Be honest with others, and especially with yourself. Ask for help. She added that the relationships with family, friends and God have been “grounded by the faith that was planted here at Notre Dame,” Derry concluded.
The commencement exercises were accompanied by an invocation by Father James Flattery, Parochial Vicar, Divine Mercy Parish and St. Mary’s Dodgeville, and the benediction by Father Marty Goetz, Pastor, Divine Mercy Parish, St. Mary’s Dodgeville. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Logan Kamrath, Class Salutatorian and academic honors were recognized by Bill Maupin, Notre Dame High School Principal