July 2, 2025 at 9:01 a.m.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MERCY

SALUTE TO GRADS: Saratoga Central Catholic Valedictorian and Salutatorian speeches

Saratoga Central Catholic Valedictorian Raphael Sanok and Salutatorian David Mattes

By Raphael Sanok

Saratoga Central Catholic Valedictorian

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-25).

This is what it means to be a Saint. This is what we have learned from our time in Catholic education. We learn that we are measured by more than academics, athletics and accomplishments. We are instead measured as God measures us, which is in compassion, empathy and mercy.

Mercy, the greatest quality a human being can hope to strive for, when the glory of God is reflected through His children. Anyone can do just the bare minimum of what is required. Anyone can just do your daily work and responsibilities then get on with your day. There is nothing truly remarkable in this. That is because it is easy. However, Saints were never created to choose the easy option. Saints were created for great things, to bring the light of God to others and share His glory with humanity. Mercy is what makes those instances.

It is where a person goes beyond what is required of them for no other purpose than to bring happiness to another human being. Many deny it. Many have questioned it. The Class of 2025 lives it.

The first time I came to school during freshman year, I joined the cross-country team. Let’s all be honest, I in no way, shape or form looked like I belonged on the team. I was massively overweight, out of shape, and had no skill or talent in the sport whatsoever. During my race as part of the team, I got lost in the state park, as it was getting cold with the sun setting. When everyone realized I wasn’t coming back and with all the other teams leaving, the coach offered to go look for me while the rest of the athletes went home. However, my teammates decided to go running again on the trail, eventually finding and running with me until I finished. During that one day, when my teammates were already tired and had no incentive to help me yet did it anyway, I knew I found a place I could call home.

This was not the only time where I saw this kind of behavior. I found it when I first came to this school, practically not knowing anyone, yet I found people who made me, not only welcome, but feel like family. I saw it in how Leah, Trinity, Ethan, and Daniel always brought enthusiasm to whatever conversation they were in. I witnessed it in the way Alia, Ariana, Kerry, Ellie, Becca, Emily, AJ, and Hailey always had a smile on their faces when seeing their fellow classmates.

I found it in how Ryan, Grace, Shannon, and Sydney constantly greeted everyone they met with enthusiasm and genuine care. I saw it in the way Shayla, Ben, Helen and Ronan would always patiently listen with understanding and compassion. I found it in the encouragement Tyler Weygand, Hunter, Damien, Miles, Tyler Hicks, and Bobby gave to everybody they encountered. I heard it in the caring insight Sal, James, and David would offer in any daunting situation. My friends, I have only known you for a relatively short period of time. Most of you have been with each other since elementary school. I arrived in ninth grade knowing two people. Yet your works of mercy, whether considered miniscule, unimportant or inconvenient to you at the time, were the things that changed me, and made me who I am today. I arrived at this school weak, shy, unknown and found a family here in Saratoga. I arrived awkward, unhealthy and afraid, yet you did not cast me aside. Even when it was not required, not deserved, and of absolutely no benefit to you, I found a place with people that was filled with the disciples of Christ, who knew what it meant to live as a Saint. I know this by what He has said, that “Whatever you did for the least one of these least brothers of mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40).

I therefore implore you, when we leave and say goodbye one final time to childhood friends, teachers and the places we knew so well all of our lives, that you never forget the importance of mercy. I know better than to say that there will not be hardships to face. The brokenness of a family. The loss of a parent or friend. The stress faced by jobs, sports, school and relationships. All those anxieties of life that weigh on our minds every day. When experiencing these frustrations, I ask you, look back on your time here at SCC. Remember the friends that you have made, the memories you share, and all you have so far accomplished. More importantly however, look back to those people who have believed in you, who knew that you would go on to do great things. Remember the compassion, empathy and mercy you have been shown, and take strength in it, because these are the things worth fighting for. These are the things that make life worth living. These are the moments where the glory of God shines through and where we can truly find rest in Him.

My friends, whom I have come to consider as brothers and sisters, as you walk out these doors, I urge you to never lose the habits of daily mercy which I have seen during your time here at SCC. You have changed me. You have changed each other. I know, by these same small acts of love, devotion and mercy, you will go on to change the world. I bid you all a fond farewell and leave with a final word of encouragement, that when you bring these works of mercy like torches into a dark and cold world, whether people adore you, hate you or are completely indifferent toward you, they will know one thing with absolute certainty: that a Saint has been in their midst. Thank you all, and may God bless you.

The Lord knows the way for you

By David Mattes

Saratoga Central Catholic Salutatorian

This day is not merely a celebration solely for the graduates, it is a celebration for everyone that has helped shape us into who we are today. To all the parents, on behalf of the Class of 2025, I would like to thank you. You were our first teachers, our strongest advocates, and the ones who have sacrificed the most for us. It has not gone unnoticed, without you there would be no possibility of being here today. I would also like to thank our Spa Catholic teachers who not only taught us mathematics and history, but also taught us how, as Mrs. Sedlak would say: “To be decent human beings and soldiers of Jesus Christ.” Your efforts are invaluable to us and we thank you.

As the first Augustinian pope has just begun his pontificate, it feels fitting to start my speech with a quote from the man who inspired that order. St. Augustine has a quote that I really like, he said: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord. Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” I could imagine many of you graduates are a little restless right now. That does not take into account all of the younger siblings who are dying to get out of this long ceremony, you’re doing great, hang in there! We all have our families in town, fun graduation parties waiting for us, our last fun summer with our friends before college, and then finally, our college careers will start, and the rest of our lives along with it. Before those wonderful things begin, I would like to elaborate on what St. Augustine meant.

In the book of Jeremiah 1:5 our Lord says to us: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” This Bible passage establishes two very comforting truths, our Lord knows us and has a plan for us. As we reflect upon our high school journeys, there were many times that I can personally say “I felt lost” and I would imagine every one of you could say the same. Whether it was the tireless college application process, a relentless sports season, or just the test next Friday, we are no strangers to adversity. At the same time, I knew there was a plan for me through it all, so even if I could not see the way, I knew the Lord would guide me.

Every member of this graduating class has had the privilege of attending Catholic school for some time. For some, this was their first year, and for others this marks the end of a 13-year career of Catholic school education. In any case, our Catholic school has given us the opportunity to begin and/or deepen our relationship with our Lord. Do not be mistaken, this is the most important lesson our school has taught because a relationship with our Creator is the only way to answer the question of our lives, why? Why am I here? Why has this happened? Why am I who I am? Without these questions, we would have nothing to pursue that would truly fulfill us.

As one chapter is coming to a close, and another is beginning, we have the obligation to find out why we must live our individual lives. If there is any uncertainty among you, or within yourself, I can personally attest that each one of us is special. Every single one of us has a unique set of gifts along with a unique way to see the world that has undoubtedly been crafted for a specific and individual purpose. Mark Twain once said: “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you found out why.” His quote captures an interesting point because all of us are about to embark on the paths we picked, but I urge you not to forget that someone else has already picked your path for you. Listen to Him, especially when you feel lost because He knows the way for you.

Today is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, planning, growth and sacrifice. It is a day for a plethora of emotion, excitement, joy, satisfaction, but also a little bit of anxiety and fear. This may be normal, but there is a way through and that is by the guidance of Our Lord in our individual lives. Our hearts will be restless, until they rest in Him. Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and good luck on your journey throughout this life going toward God.