X Marks the Spot to Move Forward at Commencement
Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25:
Stepping onto an X-marked spot on the stage at the Commencement Exercises on June 1, a member of the Class of 2025 enters the long-imagined moment, squinting past the blinding stage lights, scanning the sea of faces, hoping to spot the familiar glow of friends and family. For all, it was a surreal moment: the culmination of 4 to 7 years of hard work encapsulated with a stride across the stage.
Each graduate had this moment of glory, encapsulating hard work at Kellenberg. The 505 of the Class of 2025; joined by their family, friends, and the Kellenberg community; gathered at Hofstra’s David Mack Sports Complex to celebrate a pinnacle moment in their lives: the stepping out from the Kellenberg community into the world.
Beginning the ceremony, the class valedictorians Christopher Rocco and Meghan Lazzarini gave their valedictory addresses. Christopher emphasized the importance of adopting humility as a tool for learning, for when one is humble, one can learn more about the world.
“No matter how much knowledge we may have,” he stated, “there is someone who knows something different.”
Following Chris, Meaghan honed in on the importance of embracing new experiences and how the Class of 2025 can use the security built at Kellenberg to embrace the unknown.
Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M., gave his address before each graduate walked the stage, calling for those present to take their belief in Christ into the world. He referenced Moses and St. Paul as he stressed the necessity of taking the faith students have built at Kellenberg and professing the Gospel when they leave high school.
Following all of the students walking across the stage, Bro. Kenneth announced the Most Outstanding Members of the Class of 2025 awards to Kevin Kelly and Grace Andino.
“It was such a humble honor to receive this award,” states Kevin,” I am forever grateful for the community Kellenberg has given me.”
The ceremony was both a reflective and emotional time for all present.For some graduates, their time at Kellenberg extends beyond the typical four-year period of high school.
Brooke Boccio, a member of the Latin school and an incoming freshman at the University of Kentucky, found the graduation ceremony to be a culmination of her seven years at Kellenberg.
“It was bittersweet to see the power of time. The boys and girls I’ve known since sixth grade have really transformed into both beautiful and mature young men and women. I truly would not be the person I am today without the impact of the Latin School and Kellenberg.”
As the Class of 2025 branches out into the world, let us do so in faith, walking out with humility, resilience, and courage.