'Be Not Afraid'

All of the 194 seniors who graduated Friday will face challenges, but what's important is how they will deal with them.

Four years at the private Catholic school on Huntington Turnpike has armed them with faith and prepared them for what lies ahead, speakers told the new alumni at the ceremony on Dalling Field.

It was the school's 46th commencement ceremony, and the school turns 50 in 2012.

School President William Fitzgerald urged the graduates to rely on their faith to guide them in the world.

"We don't know what the world you'll be careering in will be like. If you take anything away from here, take the faith," he said.

He cautioned them to avoid people who abuse religion. "Intellect and faith is what we need from you," he said.

Fitzgerald added that the graduates should care for outsiders and those who are different and "to beware the superficial."

He was referring to friends made online whom people never meet. "Real friends take time to nourish. Real friends are the ones you can rely on to get you through."

"We'll miss you. No matter what happens, you can always come to Joe," Fitzgerald concluded.

First Selectman Tim Herbst, a alumnus, congratulated the class, especially commending three students who will be entering the military: Connor Joyce, headed for the Citadel in South Carolina; Andrew Rigoli, the U.S. Marine Corps.; and Timothy Cottell, the New Mexico Military Institute.

"I thank you for your service, your sacrifice and I wish you God speed," he said.

He cited a 1980 commencement speech by actor Alan Alda, enouraging graudates to "never stop learning and never stop questioning" and to discover themselves while helping others.

"You have have learned values and ideals that will carry you through a lifetime," he said. "Popularity can never replace the fortitude of your conscience."

Patrick Lapera, chairman of the high school's Board of Directors, noted that 96 percent of the graduates were headed into college with a total of $13.2 million in scholarships and grants.

He reminded them that with privilege comes responsibility.

Valedictorian Amanda K. Dudzinski urged the alumni to challenge themselves. She has done so through working with Habitat for Humanity and taking a heavy course load, said Principal Kenneth A. Mayo.

She noted that "alma mater" means "nourishing mother."

"St. Joe's has not only supported us but challenged us to be our best," Dudzinski said. The graduates should work to improve themselves for their own sakes rather than for a reward, she added.

"We must be aware of the state of the world. We must challenge ourselves to be polite. We must challenge ourselves to be honest. We must challenge ourselves to volunteer," Dudzinski said.

Most of all, the students should "maintain and strengthen" their faith, she added.

Finally, Diocese of Bridgeport Bishop William Lori told them to remember the late Pope John Paul II, who told catholics, "Be not afraid."

"[Jesus] takes nothing away. He gives everything," Lori said.