PROVIDENCE—Wearing green and gold robes, 234 members of the Class of 2009 entered the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul Friday afternoon, smiling proudly during the 48th commencement of Bishop Hendricken High School.
"The Class of 2009 has been extraordinary in their academic, athletic, and service accomplishments,” said Assistant Principal John Jackson. “They have seven National Merit Finalists and 10 National Merit Letters of Commendation, more than in the history of our school. They have won 23 State Championships and have spearheaded our efforts to help those less fortunate, as well as our missionary efforts in Peru and Appalachia.”
Students from the Class of 2009 have been accepted to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the country, including Yale, Harvard, Boston College, MIT, Cornell, Providence College, Duke, Notre Dame and Brown. Scholarships offered to the seniors total over $11 million.
Graduate Kevin Marchand noted that he thought the Cathedral graduation ceremony was a very fitting way to conclude the Hendricken experience.
“It was a wonderful way to end because we had our first gathering there when we were freshman to receive our Bibles,” said Marchand.
Graduate Johnny O'Hern said, “To have both my freshman Mass of welcome as well as my graduation there is a fitting beginning and end to my Hendricken career.”
To honor Bishop Thomas Hendricken, graduates came forward and placed flowers in front of his tomb in the Cathedral offering a prayer of thanksgiving.
Valedictorian Ryan Denkewicz told his classmates to never forget that wherever their futures take them, they will forever be united by their four years together at Hendricken.
“Hendricken has prepared us well for our life’s journey,” said Denkewicz in his speech. “In the classroom, on the athletic field, and in our club activities, we have learned to push ahead, to persevere, to compete, to have faith, to never give up.”
Denkewicz’s proud father, Raymond, expressed how proud he is of his son, the third in his family to be named Valedictorian of a high school graduating class. The senior will be attending Duke University in the fall.
“It is very exciting for our family,” said Raymond Denkewicz. “He is such a hardworker. There are a ton of hard working kids at Hendricken.”
Salutatorian Michael Bennett, who will be attending the University of Notre Dame, said in his speech that, ”We must be thankful that we have been given the opportunity to attend Hendricken. Here, we have been given an education that has not only helped us grow as individuals but has prepared us for the outside world. We all have the responsibility to use what we have been given to help others, to be our brother’s keeper. ”
For many, however, the commencement was bittersweet.
Graduate Matthew Miech said that what he would miss most will be the camaraderie of his classmates at Hendricken.
Mark Gambardella said that he will miss the atmosphere brought about by a caring community, in which the teachers gladly put their students first.
Only attending Hendricken for his senior year, Cameron DiIorio expressed that the Hendricken educators were the most caring and dedicated teachers he has ever encountered.
"They helped me out through personal and educational struggles," DiIorio said. "From the bottom of my heart, I love the Hendricken staff."
Principal Vincent F. Mancuso expressed how proud he was of the graduates and is confident that when the men of Bishop Hendricken see injustice they will act.?
“My advice to you is to find a cause that is consistent with our faith and work to solve it,” said Mancuso. “It is your responsibility to become men of faith, action and principle to truly make a difference.”
Father David Gaffney, school chaplain added, “We pray in thanksgiving for the members of the graduating class of 2009. These are men who have grown in body mind and spirit. Men who leave us prepared to face the challenges of our world. May they always seek the guidance and wisdom of almighty God in all they do.”
Brother Thomas R. Leto, C.F.C., president of Bishop Hendricken, thanked the parents, faculty and staff who have all played a important role in the accomplishments of the class of 2009.
“I know that our young men will continue to make our world a better place thanks to all of your efforts,” said Brother Leto. “Gentlemen, my congratulations. I salute you, I thank you, and most especially I Iove you and pray that God may continue to shower you with his blessings.”
“Graduation was not a farewell, but rather a new beginning into the Hendricken fraternity of alumni,” said graduate Tom Gillooly. “We now share a common bond with thousands of men across the country who have graduated from Hendricken. We have been trained to nourish that common bond among each other and to help Hendricken alumni in need. We may have left Hendricken, but Hendricken will never leave us.”
