West Hartford’s Northwest Catholic High School held a graduation ceremony on May 22 for the Class of 2024.

Northwest Catholic High School graduation. May 22, 2024. Photo credit: James Drzewiecki

By James Drzewiecki, Northwest Catholic High School

Despite their eighth-grade year being shortened by a global pandemic and their transition to high school being non-traditional, the Class of 2024 at Northwest Catholic met these challenges with grace and gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford for their graduation Wednesday.

Northwest Catholic High School graduation. May 22, 2024. Photo credit: Amanda Sirica

“When I look at your faces, I can’t help but be reminded that you were 8th graders when COVID hit,” said Superintendent of Catholic Schools Valerie Mara. “Your eighth-grade graduation never happened, or perhaps you had a drive-through or something creative, so this is your first formal graduation, and we’re thrilled to celebrate with you.”

Mara pointed out that despite these challenges, the Class of 2024 prevailed, proving that there isn’t anything they can’t overcome.

“You heard me say, many of you, ‘Where you are today is exactly where you’re meant to be,'” said Mara.

In his speech to his classmates, salutatorian Jared Campbell emphasized that despite encountering numerous challenges, they emerged victorious.

“We showed our persistence,” said Campbell.

Campbell said that they have come so far and have become the people they want to be.

“You have spent four long years reshaping and constructing yourself into the person you want to be,” said Campbell.

Northwest Catholic High School graduation. May 22, 2024. Photo credit: James Drzewiecki

When Valedictorian Ava Rotundo took the stage, she delivered a poignant message to her classmates, urging them to embrace the present moment and avoid dwelling on the past.

“Life is too short to worry about the little things so live each day to the fullest,” said Rotundo.

Rotundo also told her class to also never forget how far they’ve come.

“It was a rough start to our high school career but we made the best of it,” said Rotundo. “These last four years have shaped the people we have become and set the foundation for future growth.”

Northwest Catholic High School graduation. May 22, 2024. Photo credit: Amanda Sirica

The guest speaker during the graduation was Holle Draines, a member of the Class of 1993. She wanted to share with the Class of 2024 to always strive for excellence but not perfection.

“I stand before you wanting you to make sure that you’re not robbing yourselves of your own joy and happiness chasing after perfection,” said Draines. “Always show up as your best.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, the Class of 2024 stood united, bonded by shared experiences and triumphs, poised to embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Northwest Catholic High School graduation. May 22, 2024. Photo credit: Amanda Sirica

Northwest Catholic High School graduation. May 22, 2024. Photo credit: Amanda Sirica

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