As we approach the end of the 2017 - 2018 school year, it seems as though we can't slow time down. We are just under four weeks from Baccalaureate Mass (June 8) and then the commencement exercises (June 9) on the day after. We invite you to celebrate the God-given vocation of our graduates by attending our commencement activities.
On June 10, MRA will have graduated 87 students since 2003, with 70 of those graduates coming after 2010. That was the year when we committed to the PreK - 12 educational model, and we are really starting to see the fruit with each graduating class.
The Class of 2018 features 10 students. 6 of the 10 have committed to a four year college, while the remaining 4 are all entering the armed services (Army, Air Force, and Marines).
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recently spoke to the graduates of Christendom College. He used the following image to frame the meaning of such celebratory moments: "If you want to know what is down the road, ask the person who is coming back. On the road of life, the person next to you is a fellow traveler. Those of us with grey hair and wrinkles are coming back. In a sense, we are meeting you on your way along a path of life that we long ago traveled."
This year Professor Scott Sollom of Franciscan University will provide the keynote address at commencement. In his own words, Professor Sollom's most shining accomplishment is his marriage of 20 years. Dr. Sollom has been a theology professor at Franciscan for 12 years. I had the opportunity to meet Professor Sollom at a professional development seminar in August of 2017, and immediately sensed that he knows how to reach the minds and hearts of young people. We are delighted that he accepted the invitation.
On May 18, the students and staff of our school community will again renew our consecration to Mary, the Mother of God. I cannot think of a more fitting preparation for Pentecost than to invite the most beloved spouse of the Holy Spirit to intercede for a greater outpouring of God's grace. May the Class of 2018 also receive and embrace the promptings of the Spirit as they embark on their journey back to our Heavenly Father.
Most Sincerely In Christ,
Derek Tremblay, Headmaster