By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 6/9/05)

"To say you are people of faith is to put it mildly," Helen Brewer, principal of St. Mark School said to the parents of eighth-grade graduates. "You gave us the gift of your child to help us build our foundation."

Brewer thanked the parents for taking a leap of faith and enrolling their child in the school two years ago when it opened.

Father Daniel Maher, parochial vicar at St. Mark Parish, referred to the class as the best graduating class St. Mark School has ever known. And there can be no disputing that fact.

On Monday night 20 eighth-graders donned in blue and gold walked through the gymnasium as they became the first ever graduating class of St. Mark School.

"It’s exciting," said Principal Helen Brewer before the ceremony. "It really is a grace."

Before they received their certificates of achievement for completing the eighth-grade, each student was recognized for the gifts they have offered to the school — such as kindness, diligence and academic excellence.

"You will go forth as an example of St. Mark School," Father Maher said. "We ask not so much that you make us proud, but that you make us grateful for the gifts you have received."

Each child processed across the stage to receive their certificate of achievement from Father Pat Holroyd, pastor.

After the graduation ceremony, the students held a ceremony of their own to thank their principal, their priests and their teachers, especially M.J. Grazioli, the eighth-grade teacher. Each student thanked Grazioli for what she has done for them personally, whether it be taking care of them when they were injured on a field trip, or teaching them to say "yes" instead of "yea."

The students were just as excited as Brewer to be the first graduating class.

"You get to make tradition for your school," said Audrey Walker.

"It feels cool because you’ll always be remembered," said Sara Garrettson.