The 141 members of the Notre Dame West Haven Class of 2017 reaped the benefits of their four-years of hard work when they received their diplomas in the 68th Commencement Exercises in Alumni Hall on May 28.
The Class of 2017 received their diplomas, handed to them by President Robert F. Curis. Following the distribution of diplomas, the two highest awards were announced by Assistant Principal for Student Life Mr. Adam Laput .
Curis addressed his second graduating Class at Notre Dame by saying they now have the skills to go forth in life.
“I would like to leave you with two very straightforward words….Be extraordinary! After 4 years living and learning in the Holy Cross tradition, we are confident that you are ready to sally forth and make God known, loved and served. Be extraordinary! Be extraordinary! Make a commitment to yourself to make something special happen with your life over the next four years and beyond. Remember, good things will come to those who work for it. You must have patience, discipline, and faith. Faith in yourself and faith in your creator…knowing that your best self is something that you should be striving for each and every day.”
Giuseppe Piscitelli didn’t deliver the typical Commencement address. His style, humor, and slew of “What if…” questions quizzed his classmates one last time but the message was clear. Their time at Notre Dame High School was the best of their lives.
From the 160 schools that accepted our seniors to the amount of scholarship money received, the statistics are impressive for the Class of 2017. The Class of 2017 came from 22 different cities and towns in the greater-New Haven area and received over $19.2 million in scholarships and grants. Also, 24 members of the Class of 2017 have fathers and/or grandfathers who are alumni. They proudly join our ‘legacy-society graduates’ club by receiving their diploma this year.
Philip Grande, President of the Alumni Association, officially inducted the Class of 2017 into the Alumni Association as part of the Graduation Ceremony.
Another highlight of the commencement exercises was the honoring of the 50th Reunion Class during the ceremony. The Class of 1967 was honored and recognized. They celebrated their reunion with events all weekend, culminating with receiving their golden diploma at a luncheon ceremony following the Graduation program. Class of 1967 President Robert Turbert of Jacksonville, FL received an honorary golden diploma from President Curis during the ceremony.