‘Much remains to be done by us’

VICTORIA JAWOROWSKI - Valedictorian

‘Much remains to be done by us’

Good morning! To begin, I would like to thank Principal Jones, Assistant Principal Moran, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Virgiglio, Bishop Scharfenberger, Father Leo Markert, teachers and staff, and anyone else involved who had their hands in organizing last night’s and today’s ceremonies. We never thought this day would come. We anticipated its quick delivery, checked our calendars, counted down the hours, minutes and seconds. However, now that it’s here, I’m sorry it is as it means leaving classmates that I’ve known for so long and teachers who’ve been my mentors, along with numerous people who have shaped my life and the lives of fellow students forever. 

Yesterday evening, Mrs. Thibault spoke to everyone at the Baccalaureate Mass and she did an amazing job. Thank you so much for this introduction and, more importantly, your mentorship and unwavering support over the last several years. You believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself and you pushed me to be my best. I am so grateful for your kind words.

As I reluctantly began to write this speech, I quickly started to reflect on the Golden Knights school community and what I have learned from the building, its teachers and my fellow classmates. So, seniors, let us take one last walk down the hallways of NDBG and enjoy the moments we created and shared together that have become memories. Unifying our school yearly at Golden Gallops, celebrating athletics at sports banquets, enjoying classes outside when the weather permitted, Spirit Week, and homecoming dances will all be events remembered fondly. 

Throughout my time at NDBG, I’ve grown to appreciate and cherish the little moments in life. For example, Mrs. Thibault rewarding us with chocolate after a difficult calculus class or her jumping around to get our attention. Mr. Harrigan greeting us each morning with a smile, reminding us how much he cares about us and how proud he is. Mrs. White creating interesting and unique room arrangements, such as her artificial fire pit at Halloween that granted us the opportunity to bond and become closer with fellow classmates, and even Mr. Verhayden joining our gym classes when he had the time. Although this was definitely not the high school experience we expected, with nearly half of our years spent online, our senior year was excellent. We were able to have a Golden Gallop, sports seasons, Spirit Week, a homecoming dance, senior week, and even a successful prom, thanks to Mrs. Cardillo. 

This Class of 2022 is the most resilient and diligent class I have been a part of. We have all grown and succeeded this year, through academics, athletics, art, identity and so much more. When I was writing my college application essays, Mr. Allen introduced me to the following quote by the eminent Nobel laureate Marie Curie: “One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.” We should celebrate this tremendous occasion, but also remember our futures, our goals and the people we have yet to become. Thus, I believe I can rightfully state that much “remains to be done” by us. 

Additionally, I would like to congratulate Mr. Hartnett on his retirement. I know NDBG won’t be the same without him. Mr. Hartnett has impacted numerous lives significantly, sharing his passion and knowledge of history, and I thank him on behalf of all the students he inspired.

I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from my teachers and mentors, but I’m especially thankful for my family who always cared for me and inspired me to make them proud. Although the majority of our family is overseas, the love and guidance I received from my parents and my sister was more than I could’ve ever imagined. Though I praise myself for being an independent person, I wouldn’t be where I am without them. My sister, Julia, has grown to be my best friend and one of my biggest supporters. I’m honored to be your sister. 

Congratulations Class of 2022! As we leave NDBG, I want to share a quote from Jeremiah 29:11, it states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I wish everyone the best luck on their individual journeys into adulthood, whatever they may look like. Stay safe, and most importantly, pursue happiness.

KATHRYN BRAUN -Salutatorian

'This class rose to the occasion and persevered’

To start, I’d like to first thank Principal Jones, Assistant Principal Moran, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Virgiglio, Bishop Scharfenberger, and family and friends of the Class of 2022. Also, a special thank you to Mr. Harrigan and Mr. South, who were incredibly helpful and patient throughout the process of me writing this speech. Or more accurately, helpful in the process of telling me everything would be fine a hundred times while I panicked over writing this speech.

I wanted to use my time this morning to really set in an appreciation for this class. I’m sure you all have seen it, but this class works hard. These are passionate, driven people who care so much about what’s important to them. In academics, constantly pushing ourselves to take on more difficult classes in order to prepare for college. In sports, which encompasses drive and incredible discipline; motivation to work and to better ourselves every day. And for a lot of us, juggling school, extracurriculars and working a part-time job. No matter what our focus is, we take it and we run with it. We all have ambitions and I think it’s pretty amazing how much we were able to accomplish while school was still our first priority.

When I look back on our high school experience, it’s hard not to see the shadow of COVID. Now, I’m not here to bore you about those trying times and how hard it was on all of us. Even though they were and it was. No, what I remember from that time is the coaches and administration jumping through hoops to get us a sports season, even though we had to wear masks while playing. I remember it being all worth it stepping onto the volleyball court for the first time after thinking we wouldn’t have a season at all and hearing the fans (especially Nick) shouting and cheering for us in the bleachers. I remember driving out to visit Jenna at work after not being able to see our friends for a long time. And, of course, I remember getting the news that all regents and finals were canceled.

I do, however, want to take the time to thank the teachers who did everything they could to give us as much of a normal education as possible during that time. From the students’ perspective, your efforts certainly didn’t go unnoticed and we greatly appreciated how much you did for us. That being said, we were grateful for our new teachers this year who stepped up to take on a lot as well. For us seniors, this was Mr. Carlin, Mr. Verhayden and Ms. Benton who brought new personality to our community while things were still changing, and I thank you on behalf of our class for your diligence this year.

Bringing it back to the students, we had to mature very quickly, because our high school experience forced us to grow up almost overnight. There was no buffer between being a kid and being an adult. All our lives we’ve been followers; of the rules, of administration, of the older students. So, our task this year was learning how to become a leader and it’s hard to know what to do when the decisions become your own. But, like everything else, this class rose to the occasion and persevered. Delivering Thanksgiving meals to families in the community was a highlight of the year for many of us. It was a moving experience, but also an exciting opportunity to be independent and figure things out for ourselves. We had room to grow this year and although this class is hesitant to take the reins, I think we did a pretty good job of it.

All in all, this class is special. Thirty-three kids who wouldn’t hesitate to make room for a new student at their lunch table, who jump at the opportunity to assist teachers in moving desks or carrying in their bags, who display kindness, instinctually, because it’s a part of who they are. We’re unique in that we’re diverse in hobbies and personalities, but we all have good hearts. I couldn’t imagine going through middle and high school with anyone else, and I’m grateful to have made such true friends here at NDBG. So once again, congratulations seniors. I encourage you to look back on your high school years with fondness and remember the family you’ve created in this community, because this truly is a special group of people.