NWC Begins Commencement Exercises with Baccalaureate Mass

Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford began its 55th Commencement Exercises with a very special Baccaleaureate Mass on Tuesday night. On June 5 the school’s Class of 2019 will graduate at St. Joseph Cathedral in Hartford.

At Tuesday’s Mass, Fr. Andy Mai, the school’s beloved chaplain, presided. Assisted by Deacons Richard Santos and Jeffrey Sutherland, both teachers at the school, the Mass was an affirming celebration of the school’s mission and hope for its graduating seniors.

President Christian Cashman welcomed the soon-to-be graduates and their families and spoke of the sacred two-day ritual of Baccalaureate and Commencement. Cashman continued, “Tonight, in faith, we ask God’s blessing on the Class of 2019. Tomorrow, we send them forth as light into a needy world.” Cashman also thanked the many people, especially the ministry and administrative teams, who helped orchestrate the two-day celebration.

Director of Campus Ministry Kristina Gillespie explained to the families gathered how every month Northwest Catholic transforms the Rice Auditorium into a sacred and solemn hall where the community worships together. She and Director of Choral Studies Dan Avery then led the music ministry team that was strengthened by the addition of faculty members Chris Haddad, Dan Luddy, Sara Avery, and Kate Morran as well as Christian Cashman on the piano.

Students were featured prominently at the service. Shirley Love and James Nicholas presented the readings, Billy Kasheta was cantor, Harry Waterbury was altar server, Michael Stamm soloed on trumpet, and Taylor Armstrong read names of loved ones who died during the seniors’ four years. Fr. Andy delivered an inspiring homily that reminded the students to be lights in the world, and Deacon Sutherland asked the parents to lay hands on their seniors’ shoulders while they read a blessing together. After the seniors’ final exchange of the sign of peace and communion at Northwest Catholic, Deacon Santos delivered the final prayer and charge to go forth.

After the Mass, Academic Dean Christopher Stuck recognized the 2019 Valedictorian Michael Stamm of Newington and Salutatorian Matthew Villani of Enfield. Mr. Stuck also announced new honors bestowed upon three seniors. The Fr. Bradford Colton Faculty Honor Award,

presented in honor of the school’s founding principal Fr. Colton, was given to Elizabeth Vandal of Enfield. Stuck said, “The faculty, staff, and administration recognize this student for hard work both in and out of the classroom, dedication to scholarship and intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to the betterment of self, peers, and school.”

The second honor, the Dominican Sisters Faith and Character Award, presented in the spirit of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, who were at Northwest Catholic at its founding, was given to Sheena Wolliston of Windsor. Stuck said, “This student has been an outstanding representative of Northwest Catholic at school and in the community. She has had a strong academic record, a responsible faith life, and excellent rapport with staff and students.”

The final award of the evening was the Father Frascadore Award. Stuck said, “This award is named after past Northwest Catholic President Fr. Henry C. Frascadore, and it is bestowed on a student who best exemplifies the following characteristics: intellectual curiosity and academic excellence; spiritual awareness and exploring a relationship with God; compassionate leadership seeking to serve others and promote justice; community focused and growing as a member of the NWC family; and a whole person who is developing mind, body, spirit, and imagination. This award was given to Tyler Esposito of Enfield.

Following the award recognition, four seniors delivered reflections on their time at Northwest Catholic. Pierce Vaughns of West Hartford, Victoria Panagakos of New Britain, Madison Desrosiers of Enfield and Chris Sniffen of Enfield were the honored speakers. The seniors spoke of growth and friendship and finding their place at Northwest Catholic. They thanked their parents, peers, coaches, and especially their teachers. It was a beautiful end to a beautiful ceremony.

After the ceremony, the Class of 2019 and their families enjoyed a reception in the Navin Dining Hall.

Following the ceremony, the Class of 2019 and their families enjoyed a reception in the Navin Dining Hall.

Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford is a diverse, Catholic, co-ed, college preparatory community, educating the whole person — mind, body, spirit, and imagination since 1961. Learn more at northwestcatholic.org.