A 'DISTINCTIVELY TALENTED' CLASS

SALUTE TO GRADS: Saratoga Central Catholic's valedictorian and salutatorian speeches

Caroline Bielefeld (l.), valedictorian, and Maeve Loftus-Graney, salutatorian, for Saratoga Central Catholic.

A ‘distinctively talented’ class

By Carloine Bielefeld, valedictorian

I would like to share with you all one Bible verse that I believe truly encapsulates the essence of our class: the first book of Corinthians, Chapter 14, Verse 26. “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” In order to find success, a group must have a large variety of skills and experience. Our class definitely fits those criteria. In fact, I would be willing to bet that, if you were to ask any person at SCC to describe the Class of 2024, they would simply say, “different” or “unique” or “quirky.” These adjectives should be viewed in a positive sense. Because we are “different” and “unique” and “quirky,” and that is what I will miss the most about our class. Each classmate of mine is so distinctively talented in ways that set them apart from their peers, a fact that I admire greatly.

Every day I see Jace’s radiant optimism, Joe’s resilience, Will B’s integrity, Olivia’s authenticity, Rylee’s magnetic personality, Aidan’s quick wittedness, Evan’s wisdom, Clara’s exceptionally hardworking nature, Spencer’s reliability, Hannah’s genuineness, Pierce’s work ethic, Angelo’s creativity, Mimi’s humanity, Joey’s ambition, Ryan M’s athleticism, Nancy’s thoughtfulness, Sofia’s motivation, Bella’s kindness, Gabe’s good heartedness, Ashlyn’s honesty, Ryan T’s patience, Will T’s independence, Isa’s fierce loyalty, and Grace’s devotion. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg of the wonderful attributes that I see in my classmates. We can all learn something new from one another every day, things that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. In the long run, our differences intertwine us more than our similarities ever will.

There are some students here whom I have attended school with since kindergarten, some since sixth grade, and some who I only met this year. Regardless of the amount of time we have spent with one another, I feel that we have all been able to bond in some form. I am so thankful to our extraordinary teachers, as they have created this environment in which we were all able to express ourselves and grow closer to one another. Only in this school would this be possible.

This graduating class will be adding to the world population of paramedics, cosmetologists, engineers, lawyers, artists, businesspeople, marines, airmen, air traffic controllers, criminologists, scientists, and so much more. And as we grow and make decisions that change the course of our lives, I have faith that any choice my classmates make will be a utilization of the talents that God has given them. Nobody really knows where our future endeavors will lead us, and if there is one thing that I’ve learned from 13 years of Catholic schooling, it’s that God has a plan for every single one of us. All we must do is keep an open mind to those around us, because you never know who He chooses to be part of our journey. The wisest decision that a person could make is to embrace the differences of their neighbors and always choose kindness. Every single person in this class is capable of making a positive impact on the world, and I cannot wait to celebrate their accomplishments for years to come.

Congratulations to my fellow graduates, and go Saints!

‘Be an example to all believers’

By Maeve Loftus-Graney, salutatorian

It is such an honor to be addressing you all. In thinking of a Bible verse that reflects our class’ journey through high school and that has given me inspiration as we enter this next chapter of our lives, I have chosen 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity.” 

In our years here at Saratoga Central Catholic, our teachers, coaches and advisors have made it their utmost duty to instill that message inside all of us. We have had the privilege of receiving the most excellent Catholic education and to grow in both our academic knowledge and spiritual knowledge as individuals.

Our teachers have been so supportive of us, complimenting us on our work when we deserve it, and pushing us when we could do better. Through their personal attention to each and every one of us, they have been examples of, and encouraged thoughtful and caring behavior in us. Behavior we will model in our lives to come. Our coaches have taught us how to work together as teammates, how to respect each other and our opponents, and how to be successful while showing commitment to good sportsmanship. The faithful service of all the other individuals who make SCC the remarkable institution that it is also shows us what it looks like to live and work in a way that serves God and our community.

Through the countless opportunities SCC has provided us with to strengthen our relationship with God by acts of community service, teaching our peers about our faith, and learning Catholic morals and ideas, we have been given the incredible chance to be true leaders wherever God’s plan takes us. No matter what walks of life lay in front of us, the lessons we have learned will influence our actions and thinking to be the most loving, respectful and faith-centered individuals we can.

Over the years at SCC, our class has grown together; helping one another navigate through life’s challenges, whether they are big or small. Though we are parting with one another, we will never forget the lessons we have taught one another and the everlasting friendships we have created. As we move on from Saratoga Central Catholic, all of us should take to heart the words of 1 Timothy 4:12 and never let anyone think less of us because we are young. The Catholic education we have received at Saratoga Central Catholic has made us people who can and will be examples to all believers in what we say, the way we live and love, and as Children of God.

I will forever be grateful for the relationships I have made with my peers, teachers, coaches and advisors during my time at SCC. My success, and the success of all of us in the Class of 2024 is due to the fact that they never stopped pushing us or believing in us. Their undeniable passion for guiding and teaching us has shaped us into the creative, intelligent, kind, supportive and faithful individuals that we are today. I am so excited to see what the future holds for us and am so proud of all of us. 

Congratulations, Class of 2024, we made it.