A Band of Brothers, in Jesus: Saint Joseph High School graduates 118 young men

The 118 members of the Saint Joseph High School Class of 2024 celebrated the birthday of the Church May 19 with a milestone of their own: all the pomp and circumstances one might expect to mark the next joyous milestone on their academic paths.

Sacred Heart Church, South Plainfield, was the site of the Metuchen boys’ Catholic secondary school graduation, slated for the Pentecost feast. School officials, dignitaries and clergy, including Bishop James F. Checchio, filled the sanctuary. Bishop Checchio served as principal celebrant for the Baccalaureate Mass. Homilist was Father Michael Krull, pastor, Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick, and a member of the St. Joseph High School Class of ’76.

In his homily, Father Krull reminded the young men how the disciples felt confused and unsettled by Jesus’ Death, Resurrection and Ascension and were dramatically changed ... “They went out into the world bold, unafraid, strengthened; they let others know what they had experienced: the power of their faith in God.”

Alluding to their emotional growth over the four years at Saint Joseph, he said, “Like those disciples, today you go forth. You’ve learned your strengths and weaknesses, and about serving others ... the Gospels give us hope: ‘Do not be afraid. Know that I am with you always. With your faith, you can go forward with confidence.’”

The priest concluded with words of wisdom from one of his favorite saints, St. Catherine of Siena, saying: “‘Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!’ Congratulations, and welcome – to this very special ‘band of brothers.’”

Principal Anne Rivera addressed her graduates. “Don’t forget to think big. You owe it to your parents to be the best version of yourself that you can be. They made a choice to invest in a Saint Joe’s education so that you can succeed. Take advantage of everything life has to offer, for you are and always will be a Falcon,” she said.

The Class of 2024 earned $30 million in scholarships from 681 institutions, and performed 13,738 service hours. Evan Chin earned the Bishop Checchio Religion Award This year’s senior class appointed two valedictorians: Caeleb Chendorain, who plans to study at Stevens Tech this fall, and Aryan Jeena, bound for the University of Pennsylvania.

Chendorain shared a positive spin on the academic pressures he experienced at Saint Joseph High. “When pressure arises, you are given two choices: succumb or prevail,” he said, “but we all know there is only one right decision. You have been given the tools to succeed … Happiness will be a guaranteed result, and if that happiness is from internal victories, then all material desires become immaterial.”

Jeena revealed that his many academic and sports pursuits brought him joy and taught him valuable lessons. “[But now] we face true adversity; in this very rare moment we are free from concrete expectations and open to possibilities,” he said. “I can say, with confidence, that we have nothing to fear. Take control of your future, defy expectations, and dare to be bold in the pursuit of your dreams.”

President John Nolan assisted in the awarding of the diplomas and shared his final words of advice with the class to conclude the ceremony. “The Class of 2024 holds a special place in my heart, as we both started our Saint Joe’s journey together. Over the past four years you have grown into your own version of a Saint Joseph Man through hard work, dedication, and service. Don’t forget to stay strong in your faith, be true to yourself and know that your Saint Joe’s family will always be here for you.”