Survived and thrived — St. Paul graduates 38

NORWALK — There were many challenges the last 12 years. But as valedictorian Nicholas Centa pointed out, "We have persevered and thrived in the face of adversity." Thirty-eight seniors received their diplomas Sunday afternoon as the St. Paul High School Class of 2023 met one final time as a group. A Mass was followed by the commencement ceremony on a beautiful spring afternoon. It truly was a day to remember for the graduates, their family and friends. Centa said it is time to really become a Flyer and soar to bigger and better things. "We made it," he said. "After 12 years of hard work, determination, shenanigans, and tomfoolery We, the Class of 2023, will walk out of this church as graduates of St. Paul High School. "Whether you've been counting down the days impatiently, or you're entirely indifferent, this long-awaited milestone in our lives has finally arrived." Centa reminded his classmates that the accomplishment did not come without challenges. "Early on, we were forced to relearn how to read and write when we learned the ancient text form known as cursive," he said. "We survived the horrors of fifth and sixth grade history fairs — but some of you parents might understand more than us students." Centa said on a more serious note, the class has persevered through arguably more change than any other class in recent memory. "Think of all the administrative changes in the past six years," he said. "All the different teachers that our class has studied under ... four principals, six Spanish teachers, six theology teachers and two school presidents. "Not to mention the pandemic and all the changes that came with it," Centa added. "Heck, we lost the end of our freshman year and our first spring sports season." But the class of 2023 hasn't backed down. "We have persevered and thrived in the face of adversity," Centa continued. "As I stand here today as valedictorian, I look out into a sea of potential and opportunity and I can't help but wonder what the future holds for us. "Whether you're going into the workforce, you're headed to college, or you're joining the armed forces, remember that a network of friends is just one text, email, snapchat, or call away. If you take anything away from this speech, remember that failure is not fatal. Take chances and be the person that you want to be." Salutatorian Zoey Hay said she will always be grateful to everyone at St. Paul. "When I came to St. Paul four years ago, I didn't really know what to expect," she said. "During my first year here, I was able to create some wonderful friendships, but as COVID came around, relationships were harder to carry on. In reality, I took what I had for granted. "We have teachers and administrators that genuinely want to watch us succeed," Hay added. "They will go out of their way to help us out when they see fit and they create a relationship with their students to help them to thrive after their time at St. Paul. I have been given countless opportunities to grow in my faith and leadership, which is an attribute that makes the St. Paul environment so unique. Hay said something she has learned is that our lives are often formed by the people we surround ourselves with. "I would like to thank all of the people who have gotten us to where we are today," she said. "This includes not just our classmates and teachers, but classes who have graduated before us and who will graduate after us, the people from schools in our surrounding communities, our coaches, and most importantly the family members who have supported us through this entire journey. "We couldn't have done it without all of you." One of the big moments of the day was the presentation of the Bishop's Crosses to Josalynn Vazquez and Shadrach Dvorak. Ian Deeter was the class president; Centa was vice president; David Barcus Jr. was treasurer, Shadrach Dvorak was secretary; and Molly Ridge was the historian. The class quote was "Small, But Mighty," the class song was "Vienna" by Billy Joel, the class flower was the hydrangea, and the class Bible verse was: "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future of hope." — Jeremiah 29:11