READY TO WALK: Seniors Angelina Simerale, Phillip Davidson, Ava Bilavcic, and Noah Rogers share a moment together before joining their classmates for the procession into Friday night's commencement ceremony at Mentor Fine Arts Center.
NDCL graduates 185 seniors in 33rd Commencement
Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School celebrated the achievements of the 185 members of its Class of 2023 during the school's 33rd annual commencement ceremony on May 26 at the Mentor Fine Arts Center.
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PURE JOY: Graduate Ava Baeslach celebrates as she and her classmates process out of the Mentor Fine Arts Center.
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| LION PRIDE: Graduates Emily Foley, Grace Rowan, Julia Jaworski, Alexa Putinski, and Sofia Leccese capture a selfie after commencement. |
In conferring diplomas, Principal Mr. Joseph A. Waler celebrated the 100% graduation rate of this year's senior class.
"In the last public event of my ministry, I am beyond proud to tell you that each and every member of the Class of 2023 will cross this stage tonight to receive a diploma from my hands," beamed Mr. Waler, who will retire on June 30. "This year no Lion was left behind!"
Senior Aubriana Hills, this year's commencement speaker, began her address by asking her classmates to touch the gold tassels that adorned their graduation caps.
"Think of everything that went into earning this golden piece of thread. While I call it a piece of thread, I can assure you, it is much more than that," she said.
With insightful and humorous anecdotes, Aubriana highlighted how her classmates' many memories over the past four years, like the threads in their tassels, came together to form their NDCL experience.
"As we move these tassels from right to left, it signifies the entire journey," she explained. "All of our lessons and successes, all of our tears and smiles, all of our love for each other. All of the journey. I pray that you see those golden tassels are indeed much more than a piece of thread.
"As we prepare to turn our tassels, be grateful for the road you have taken as it has brought you to this very moment . . . and never forget your journey as a Lion.
 | Commencement photos, video online NDCL thanks Mr. Dave Jevnikar and G-TV for taking and posting more than 450 photos from commencement night
in this online gallery. G-TV also graciously provides this on-demand video
of the commencement ceremony. |