Class of 2013 is the school’s 38th class
Photo courtesy of Annie ShubiakOn to high schoolThe members of the Class of 2013 at Christ the King School pose in their graduation robes. In front row, from left, are In back, from left, are Brian Beattie, William Burns, Ken Cebedo, Kaitlin Collins, Paul John Gacek, Brittney Kozlowski, Georgios Nikolas Lazos, Anthony Lobelo, Molly LoMonte, Anna Theresa Mazzola, Duncan Merriman-Mendez, Andres Jose Perez, Michael Pacheco, Daniel Fitzgerald Shubiak, Vincent Peter Smogard, Sara Urbaniak, Nicholas Velona and Kenneth Alexandro Zepeda.
18 graduate from Christ the King School
The Class of 2013 became the 38th graduating class in the history of Christ the King School on Friday night as the 18 students said good bye to grammar school.
The graduation ceremony began with a Mass at Christ the King Church with Reverend Stanislaw Slaby officiating. Eighth grader Andres Perez welcomed classmates, family and friends.
As the mass ended, the diplomas were presented to Brian Beattie, William Burns, Ken Cebedo, Kaitlin Collins, Paul John Gacek, Brittney Kozlowski, Georgios Nikolas Lazos, Anthony Lobelo, Molly LoMonte, Anna Theresa Mazzola, Duncan Merriman-Mendez, Andres Jose Perez, Michael Pacheco, Daniel Fitzgerald Shubiak, Vincent Peter Smogard, Sara Urbaniak, Nicholas Velona and Kenneth Alexandro Zepeda.
James and Theresa Beattie read the parents’ prayer followed by the valedictorian’s address by Molly LoMonte. She reminisced about her short time at Christ the King School.
”I started CTK in 7th grade. My first friend was Sara (Urbaniak),” she said. “It was comforting to start off the day with her warm bright smile. Then I got to meet the other girls and found that they were just as nice as Sara, especially Anna (Mazzola). She was always so funny and it was exciting to be around her as well as the other girls.
”At first being in a new school was rough but as I got into the swing of things it got easier. Seventh grade was really fun, but soon I learned eighth grade was better.
”Standing up here in front of everyone makes me think back to when I was writing this. Sara was with me so I thank her for being such a great friend. I will miss all of you and good luck next year in high school,” sad Molly.
Awards were presented from the Knights of Columbus of the St. Jude Council of Manville. Kenneth Zepeda was given an award for a student attending a Catholic high school.
Georgios Nikolas Lazos was given the “Mr. Joe” scholarship award in memory of Joseph Pschar, for his many years of service to Christ the King School. It is given to a student who exemplifies the philosophy of Christ the King School as a student and role model.
Best thespian awards for participation in theatrical productions were presented to Daniel Shubiak and Kaitlin Collins.
Kenneth Cebedo was given the Christ the King Altar Rosary Society Spirituality award to a student who will attend a Catholic high school. National Math League awards were presented to Anthony Lobelo and Nicholas Velona, two students who placed in a national algebra test.
Christine Benson gave her Principal’s Blessing for the graduates.
”Young ladies and gentlemen, as you graduate this evening, we send you forth in love to follow the teachings of Christ, to be firm in your beliefs and to strive always to reach your goals. Your journey has just begun; it will be one full of challenges, successes, and maybe some disappointments, but you will always be surrounded in God’s love.”
The Class of 2013 left to the traditional Pomp and Circumstance.