Immaculata High School sends forth 138 accomplished graduates

The pews of Somerville’s Immaculate Conception Church were filled with joyful family and friends May 31, all eager to witness an important milestone in the lives of their favorite Catholic-educated young men and women.

The 138 blue-and-white clad members of the Immaculata High School Class of 2024 had amassed impressive statistics, having earned some $42 million in scholarship offers, 100 percent college/institute of higher learning acceptance, and donated 18,551 service hours.

Singing of the Star Spangled Banner and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance were followed by the poignant “Unitas Caritas,” the Immaculata High School Alma Mater.

Msgr. Joseph Celano, pastor of the parish and director of both the high school and parish grammar school, introduced Bishop James F. Checchio, who told the graduates that, “You have been through a lot. Don’t forget what you learned here. Take Jesus with you as you move on. And thanks to those parents and all who sacrificed for you to be here today, including your teachers and administrators.”

The salutatorian, Maya Karina Mathews, then addressed the audience. “We did it!!” she exclaimed to cheers from her classmates. “High school graduation is a milestone. I was scared to grow up in high school. But there was a defining moment for me in freshman year. I was taking a math test and I was the last to finish. I was so upset. But then my teacher touched my hand and said, ‘You’re just meticulous.’ Now, I’m no longer scared. The greatest lesson I learned was the help of others. And through such things as joint late night projects, a unity was built. Don’t be limited by what you think success should be.”

Valedictorian Sharbella Jacobs followed. “I am so proud to be the third successive valedictorian in my family.” said Jacobs, who had earned the Class of 2024 Bishop Checchio Religion award. “It began with my grandmother, who left Lebanon when she was just 17 with my grandfather, and they came to New Brunswick, where they opened a restaurant. They had passion and drive, like many here do. We learned at home, and we soared in high school. We enjoyed challenges, but we had even more joys. I am so thankful to our administrators, teachers and parents. Our torches of resilience never burned brighter. And finally, and most sincerely, thanks to Jesus. He suffered immeasurably so that we might pursue our future. I hope someday our class may meet once more, in faith, service and friendship. Congratulations, class of 2024.”

Edward J. Webber, principal, then presided over the announcement of 65 awards, which included 18 for academics, 8 in the Performing and Visual Arts, 10 for Service, and 29 Recognition awards.

Following the distribution of awards, Bishop Checchio, Msgr. Celano and Mr. Webber presented each individual graduate with his/her diploma. This concluded a very special day in the lives of these students, as they marched out to the accompaniment of trumpets, French horn, trombones, tuba, and harp, most fitting for this special occasion.