A Legacy Continues at Mount St. Dominic’s 130th Commencement

The Athletic Center at Mount St. Dominic Academy was filled with joy and pride on Sunday, June 1, 2025, as 61 graduates marked a major milestone during the school’s 130th Annual Commencement. The beautiful ceremony featured inspiring reflections, heartfelt blessings, and an empowering keynote address by Commencement Speaker Mary Frances Palisano, Esq., MSDA Class of 1989.

Salutatorian Ashley Rohde opened the ceremony with a thoughtful prayer that invited the community to pause in gratitude and reflection. She thanked God for the people, lessons, and memories that shaped the Class of 2025, expressing deep appreciation for the Dominican Catholic education that empowered each graduate. Ashley honored the faculty, families, and friendships that supported their journeys and asked for continued wisdom, strength, and compassion as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

Mary Frances Palisano, Esq., a distinguished attorney with Gibbons P.C., child advocate, and leader of the nationally recognized Gibbons Cares Pro Bono Platform, delivered a moving commencement address rooted in Mount values and her own professional journey. She encouraged graduates to cultivate a strong work ethic, make their own magic, and remain dedicated to justice and service. Palisano credited the Mount for preparing her to lead with purpose. She shared, "The Mount’s unwavering commitment to empowering young women, to fostering critical thinking, and to instilling in us a belief in our own capabilities – that helped give me confidence." Quoting Saint Catherine of Siena, a Dominican Saint, she left the Class of 2025 with a powerful message and MSDA motto: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

In her valedictory address, Maeko Marapao reflected on the Class of 2025’s unique journey and the enduring power of sisterhood. She shared how seemingly small moments—cheering each other on, supporting friends through challenges, and bonding on trips like the senior Disney trip, Kairos retreats, and the NYC Cloisters visit—wove together a lasting community of connection and care. Maeko emphasized how the Mount nurtured empathy, creativity, and leadership, and encouraged her classmates to “fail forward,” embracing every experience with heart and resilience. Above all, she reminded graduates that they leave not just with diplomas, but with a sisterhood that has shaped who they are—and who they are becoming.

“The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the values that define a Mount education—faith, academic excellence, leadership, and sisterhood,” said Dr. Karen D’Avino, Principal of Mount St. Dominic Academy. “Our graduates leave here inspired, confident, and ready to make a difference in the world.”

Interim Head of School Lynn Burek closed the ceremony with heartfelt words that celebrated the graduates' growth and resilience. She reminded the Class of 2025 that perfection is not the goal as they are already “God’s masterpiece,” shaped by the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of their Mount journey. “Together, Class of 2025, you are a beautiful tapestry,” she said, urging graduates to stay true to the values they formed at the Mount and to nurture the lifelong bonds of sisterhood. She ended with a blessing, sending them forth in faith, wisdom, and love.

With a curriculum that sparks curiosity—bridging tradition with academic rigor and faith with intellectual exploration—the young women of Mount St. Dominic Academy build a foundation of independent inquiry and critical thinking that serves them well in college, career, and beyond. The Class of 2025 earned more than $17 million in scholarships and grants and received acceptances to over 160 colleges and universities across the U.S. and Europe. Nearly 40 of these institutions—including the University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, Georgetown University, University of Notre Dame, New York University, Rutgers University, Lehigh University, Villanova, and the College of the Holy Cross—will welcome Mount graduates as freshmen this fall. These young women are justice seekers, changemakers, and empathetic leaders—equipped with both the skills and the drive to make a meaningful impact.

About Mount St. Dominic Academy:
Founded in 1892 by the Sisters of St. Dominic, Mount St. Dominic Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory school dedicated to educating young women from diverse backgrounds.

MSDA offers signature programs such as the L.E.O. Entrepreneurship Program, Health Sciences and Social Justice Concentrations, and a Capstone Program in partnership with Harvard University, providing real-world experiences that prepare students for success. Additional opportunities include Dual Enrollment with Seton Hall University, Expanded STEAM Programs, Essex and Morris County Transportation Routes, a Leadership Camp, and more.

2023–2025 Highlights:
Mount St. Dominic Academy earned top honors including the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll “Gold with Access” designation and AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Awards for both AP Computer Science A (2023) and AP Computer Science Principles (2023, 2024). MSDA also received Gold Medals in the 2023 and 2024 Best of Essex contests for Best Private High School and an A+ rating on Niche’s 2024 Best Schools list, awarded to only 2.5% of U.S. schools. The Mount is also home to an award-winning Performing Arts Program and celebrated a record-setting 12th consecutive Essex County Tournament win by its Lady Lions Soccer Team in 2025.