The 100th graduating class of St. Mary’s School has arrived in Grade Eight! After more than a century of serving students of junior high age in our school, we are excited about this milestone and about celebrating with you as you reach this important goal in your educational journey. Welcome, Class of 2012!
The eighth grade experience at St. Mary’s School is like no other. A new and challenging workload, a meaningful faith development, engaging activities and field trips, and preparation for the important transition into high school all contribute to the excitement which comes with being an eighth grader at SMS. It is truly a memorable year!
“In a world full of followers, dare to be a leader.” This sentiment which adorns the wall of 8A, best describes my goal for Grade Eight this year. Our graduating class is encouraged and nurtured daily to become leaders in our school, leaders in our church, and leaders in the community beyond St. Mary’s. We accomplish this by offering our teenagers a rigorous academic program, multiple opportunities for prayer and worship, enriching activities, and experiences for Christian service. And the support and caring advisement of our junior high faculty is a constant throughout this formative process.
Mother Cornelia Connelly, the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus who opened St. Mary’s School, was frequently known to say, “Be yourself, but make that self all that God wants it to be.” That is what a true leader is – a disciple. One cannot be a leader without following Christ and walking the walk of discipleship. As our eighth graders journey forward into their final year with us here at St. Mary’s, our challenging academic program and meaningful spiritual experiences will move them ever-closer to being true leaders, disciples.
Have an awesome year!
