Page 4 • Wednesday , June 13 , 2018 • The Hammonton Gazette

GRADUATION , from Page 1 ceipt of their high school diplomas , which were bestowed by Diocese of Camden Bishop Dennis J . Sullivan and the Diocese ’ s Superintendent of Catholic Schools Mary P . Boyle .

“ today , we honor and recognize the accomplishments of 75 seniors in completing their high school graduation . We also wish them Godspeed as they prepare to embark on a new journey in their lives ,” SJHS Principal Rev . allain Caparas said during his opening remarks .

Caparas first introduced class of 2018 salutatorian Mackenzie fabrico to greet her classmates and the families in attendance . fabrico , who will attend flagler College in the fall , reminisced and reflected on the four years she and her classmates spent together at SJHS — four years that she said passed quickly and are metaphorically similar to the amusement park rides at Walt Disney World , where the class of 2018 went for its senior trip this spring . fabrico compared each year of high school to a specific ride , namely senior year to Rock ‘ n ’ Roller Coaster at Disney ’ s Hollywood Studios .

“ the Rock ‘ n ’ Roller Coaster is one minute and 22 seconds-long . You go zero to 60 [ miles per hour ] in the blink of an eye . While the ride is thrilling and a ton of fun , it is over before you know it , just like senior year … i encourage you all , no matter what your next adventure is , to enjoy the ride because before you know it , you ’ ll be on to the next one ,” fabrico said .

Prior to when the diplomas were conferred , Caparas addressed the class as a whole once more and urged them to retain all the skills and traits that were instilled in them during their time at SJHS , and to also never forget the values they have learned .

“ always remember the education and Catholic values you received at St . Joe , always remember the good people — the administrators , the priests , the religious , the teachers and the coaches — who have made a difference in your life . Never forget to give back and never forget , you will always be a Wildcat ,” Caparas said . SJHS assistant Dean of academics Sonya Heard called the names of each graduate , who filed into two lines and approached the chancel to receive their diplomas from Sullivan and Boyle . after all diplomas were administered , Heard announced the names of seniors who have received various awards and scholarships , which Heard said collectively amassed more than $ 6.7 million . the award and scholarship recipients from the class of 2018 are : alyssa Sonje amos , Mitchell asante , Carina Barse , Dahsan Birch , Kendall Blount Jr ., Stephen Brady , Nicole Cirigliano , Keith Richard Clayton , ethan Dawson , alexa DePalma , erica Donahue , Mackenzie fabrico , Jack Gibison , Sara Guevara , alyse Hand , Sean Heefner , Stephen Holman , David iuliucci , emily ann John , Dillon anthony Kramer , aspen Brooke Lanza , adrianna Lee La tortue , Sabrina Marchesani , Sarina Marone , Samantha McGlynn , Molly Miller , Gianna Morganti , zachary Nolan , Julianna Paolini , Christopher Parrish , Gianna Perna , arrianna Powers , Sara Raubertas , Nicoletta Russo , Christian Schulz , Gabriella Scocca , David Shertel , Hayley Shuster , Ryan Stansbury , Samantha tedesco , alyssa trost and Joseph Umosella .

Heard also acknowledged SJHS graduates anthony Bennett , Dominic Grassi and Vincent Romeo

the uncertainty , challenges and moments of self-doubt that everyone will face in the future , and said the key to success is to always believe in oneself and stay focused on their goals no matter what life throws at them . and at times where that seems difficult or farfetched , Guevara said their faith will help them prevail .

“ When i was younger , like most kids , i had an irrational fear of the dark . through my many years of Catholic education , i overcame my fear simply by having faith that God was with me and will keep me safe . Cheesy , i know , but incredibly true . i ’ d to think the same logical process i used when i was seven still applies . God is always with us and will continue to be with us long after we graduate ,” Guevara said . for the second consecutive year , SJHS chose a graduate as the recipient of the Bishop Dennis J . Sullivan award , which is reserved for a particular student who exemplifies all of the values that SJHS strives to instill in its students . this year ’ s recipient of the award was Sara Raubertas , who Caparas said has consistently demonstrated inspirational and amazing integrity , faith and humility during

See SJHS , Page 10