The 147 members of the West Hartford’s Northwest Catholic High School Class of 2016 became alumni Wednesday night.

Northwest Catholic graduation, June 8, 2016. Submitted photo

Submitted by Kimberly Sanders Spera, Northwest Catholic High School

The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, presided at the 52nd graduation ceremony of Northwest Catholic High School on Wed., June 8, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.

The commencement began at 7:30pm with the procession of the 147 members of the Class of 2016. Kevin Kearns of Simsbury was the valedictorian, and Abigail Herron of West Simsbury was the salutatorian. Former NWC Board Chair Theresa Notte Becker ’76 delivered the commencement address.

Northwest Catholic graduation, June 8, 2016. Submitted photo

In her address, Becker encouraged the graduates to “know who you are… know what your strengths are and use those strengths to help you achieve success and then help others achieve success.”

Salutatorian Abigail Herron also commented on strength – the strength of her classmates. “We as a whole are stronger than any one of us individually,” she said, adding, “We leave behind a legacy of strength, unity, charity and friendship.”

Valedictorian Kevin Kearns called on his fellow graduates to cherish every moment in their lives, both the good and bad. “Each moment is filled with more opportunities that allow us to be who we are, live how we live and change the world,” he said. “Let us remember the moments at Northwest Catholic – the good moments that made us laugh and the bad moments that made us stronger.”

The vast majority – 95 percent – of the graduating class will attend college, at such schools as Harvard University, Brown University, Georgetown University, Providence College, Tufts University, Northeastern University and the University of Connecticut, to name just a few. Fifty-nine graduated with highest honors (a 3.67 cumulative GPA) and 22 graduated with honors (a 3.33 cumulative GPA). The graduates come from 24 towns across Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The class includes twelve students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; seven students who were named “Summa Scholars” by the Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford; five Division I athletes; and 20 students who plan to play Division II or III sports in college.

“This graduating class has demonstrated leadership at all levels of achievement, whether it be in the classroom, athletic arena, or performing arts,” states Northwest Catholic High School President and Chief Administrator David Eustis. “They have left an indelible mark on our school and community.”

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