St. Sebastian’s Celebrates Class of 2010 with Commencement

As humidity hung heavy in the air, students marched into St. Bartholomew Parish as a version of "Pomp and Circumstance" resonated against the stained glass windows within.

"Trust" was the theme bestowed upon St. Sebastian School's graduating Class of 2010 and school officials today reiterated the trust that they have in their students as they move onward from high school.

Class valedictorian, Brendan Ecclesine of Wellesley, told his fellow classmates that he was proud of their work thus far, but there was a bright future ahead that they are being entrusted with.

"I urge you to listen to each other, so that we may better understand one another," he said. "We are the future. We must strive to be great and never settle for mediocrity."

For these students, a wondrous journey awaits, but time at St. Sebastian's will be sorely missed.

"The years have gone by too fast," said student Edward Kingsley of his time at St. Sebastian's, calling his classmates both a "motley crew" and a "band of brothers."

David Gately, board president and member of the Class of '73, related the hard work that the boys put in during their tenure at the school. He cited 18 seniors who went to New Orleans to build homes as one example of service, as well as help that students offered St. Bartholomew's.

Gately additionally looked to the parents in the audience, three of whom were alumni themselves, for continued support after graduation is over.

"These students are grateful for your love and guidance, and St. Sebastian's is grateful for your help with the school," he said. "St Sebastian's is a better place than when you first arrived and we thank you for it."

For those gathered in the church, one of the highlights of the morning came with Cardinal Sean O'Malley, who spoke of how greatness begins at an early age. Some of that greatness was seen with the presentation of awards. Among those honored were Needham residents Michael Healey (Pursuit of Excellence Award in Music and the Medal for Fine Arts) and Michael Sanderson (Excellence Award in Art).

Though the Class of 2010 was honored today for their achievements as high school students, school officials and alumni stressed that they want to see the class accomplish even more as the years go by.

"Stay committed to one another and give back to the school for all that it has given you…a sense of community, brotherhood and mission will continue to guide the school forever," Gately said. "Today you are our newest alumni, but sooner than you realize we will be entrusting you the responsibility of our school."

The following are the Needham residents who graduated today, along with their plans for the fall:

Joseph U. Bergeron   Trinity College

Ryan J. Coffey    Undecided

Michael R. Green Loyola    University of Maryland

Michael D. Healey    Hampshire College

Stephen J. Matulis   Villanova University

Thomas M. O'Regan   Harvard University

Michael D. Sanderson   College of the Holy Cross

John H. Supple    Middlebury College