Gilroy
– While eighth graders from public schools are just getting
started with their summer break, St. Mary students started their
break after an intimate graduation ceremony June 3.
Gilroy – While eighth graders from public schools are just getting started with their summer break, St. Mary students started their break after an intimate graduation ceremony June 3.
The private school located at Church and First streets held two ceremonies for its 36 graduates. Eighth grade teacher Stacy Huddleston orchestrated both ceremonies. The morning ceremony included a liturgy at St. Mary’s Church next door and was a farewell to the school.
Salutatorian Mandy Lafuente said the morning event was emotional and she is sad that many of her friends will be attending different high schools next year.
At the evening ceremony, family and friends gathered to watch the students receive awards and scholarships.
Mary Lafuente, Mandy’s mother said she enjoyed the gathering more than other public school graduations she has attended.
“It’s a very nice graduation because its so small,” she said. “This one is just more intimate. It’s more family oriented and it’s so nice.”
Lafuente spoke at the graduation ceremony along with fellow salutatorian Michael Chrisman and valedictorian Nicki Ellis.
“It was mostly just a thank you to my teachers and a good-bye to my classmates,” Lafuente said of her speech. “And good luck.”
Lafuente is one of about 15 students who will be enrolled at Gilroy High School next year. St. Mary secretary Mollie Botill, whose own son Justin graduated from the school this year, said it is the highest number of students the Catholic school has seen graduate to the public high school.
