It was a bittersweet graduation day for McGann-Mercy’s Class of 2018, their families, teachers and friends. Their joy in completing high school and their excitement as they anticipate college and beyond were tempered by the distinction of being McGann-Mercy’s last graduating class.
“Unfortunately this graduation is not just about the Class of 2018, it is for everyone who’s losing their home base,” valedictorian Olivia Valle told the packed auditorium Wednesday evening. “It’s not just a good-bye for seniors. It’s a good-bye for everyone who’s ever bled green and gold,” she said.
“Even if there’s not a building to drive past or a football game to go watch, we will turn to each other and we will always be able to feel the presence of Mercy,” Valle said.
Deacon John Hogan, principal, reminded the graduates that they “are passed a very proud legacy” of more than 60 years and they should strive to honor that legacy in all that they do.
“Remember, a school is not a building but rather its students, past and present. McGann-Mercy lives in you and in each person who has called Mcgann-Mercy their home,” Hogan said.
Most Rev. John Barres, bishop of Rockville Centre, who made the decision this winter to close McGann-Mercy at the end of this term and to consolidate Our Lady of Mercy and St. Isidore elementary schools attended the commencement exercise. He gave the invocation and benediction, handed out the diplomas, and gave an address to the graduating class. He did not mention or allude to McGann-Mercy’s closing or the plans of a committee formed to establish a new Catholic high school on the McGann-Mercy campus.
Kerry Wilkie, a member of the committee and the mother of graduate Kate Wilkie, said she hoped the bishop, in experiencing the ceremonies today, would “look at the community and know why we need to have a school here.”
Members of the committee met with the bishop in April and believe that if they develop a solid plan and show they can fundraise, the diocese will allow them to establish a new school on the McGann-Mercy campus.
The committee has drawn up an operating and fundraising plan for the new school. On May 30 it requested a second meeting with the bishop and are awaiting his response, Wilkie said.
“This new school will have the spirit of Mercy in it,” Wilkie said.
Salutatorian Isabella Sorgi summed it up: “Once a Monarch, always a Monarch.”
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
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