Under the roof of the newly renovated Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, the St. Bernard School sent 71 graduates on to the next phase of their lives.
The Class of 2013 is the 54th group of students to graduate from the private Catholic school. Thomas J. Doherty III, headmaster of the school, said the class was the first one to have students participate an international mission trip to Nicaragua. The class also includes four National Merit Scholars.
“You have impressed your teachers, your parents, and everyone who has seen the Class of 2013,” he said.
Doherty said the students will remain in the faculty’s thoughts and prayers, and he encouraged them to visit their alma mater frequently.
“There’s a reason that so many people call St. Bernard’s a family,” he said.
Class speaker Philomena Buscetto also said she considered the school to be a family. A member of the softball team, which made the state tournament for the first time in school history this year, Buscetto recalled the good turnout on the fan bus.
Buscetto said the school has worked to instill values such as respect, motivation, and kindness in students. She said she also thought she had experienced personal growth as a result of her experience at St. Bernard School.
“My journey at St. Bernard’s has been the most meaningful experience of my life,” she said. “And I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I had gone anywhere else.”
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