St. Anthony of Padua Graduations 2022
Franciscan Works + Liberia Mission: an international coalition with the goal of helping the poorest of the poor!
Three years…that’s how long it has been since we held our annual Kindergarten 2 and 9th grade graduation programs in St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Chapel. Three years! So it is no surprise that this year the celebration was extra joyful and extra special. The chapel was packed with proud parents, smiling staff, and, of course, plenty of His Holy Spirit! We pray that the Lord may spare us from future worldwide catastrophes, such as COVID 19, so that we can always celebrate such joyful moments together.
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Chapel was PACKED!
On Saturday, July 30, seventeen students graduated from the Kindergarten 2 class to the 1st grade. It is a milestone in a young person’s educational journey when they become promoted to the lower elementary division at St. Anthony’s; therefore, we celebrate our young students’ achievements as they begin another chapter in their lives. The program included songs, dances, and recitations that showcased the knowledge that they had obtained thus far at the school. It was impressive to see such young ones bravely recite memorized poems in front of an older crowd; likewise, some even had the courage to sing for those in attendance.
Liberia Mission itself is also incredibly proud of its very own residential student, Raham, for being the valedictorian. Knowing the situation he came from, his achievement is nothing short of a miracle. Representatives and social workers from the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection were left speechless at Raham’s high achievement. Once again, we congratulate our little ones on their grand success!
Residential student Raham gives his valedictory address for the graduating K-2 class.
Proud parents purchase flowers and pins with which they beautifully adorn their sons and daughters for their achievements.
On Sunday, July 31, forty-six students graduated from the 9th grade class, ending both their junior high journey, as well as their sojourn at St. Anthony’s. The chapel was truly packed to capacity, and many attendees had to stand outside; however, they eagerly followed the program no matter where they were situated. There were intellectually impressive feats, such as a full recitation of a story in French and valedictorian McGratta’s diligent speech; but there were also lighter, more heart-warming moments in which the students sang with wide smiles on their faces, knowing they had achieved the success they had so dedicatedly worked for.
We were also honored to have Hon. Lawrence Morris, Representative for Montserrado County, District #1, as our Keynote Speaker. He began by declaring that he didn’t want to give a speech; rather, he wanted to deliver a message. He urged the students to remain focused on their goals no matter what external force, be it human or otherwise, attempts to stifle their progress. As a politician in a country with many varying opinions and outlooks, and no lack of anyone willing to share them, we know that Representative Morris speaks from experience. His words will resound in the hearts of our students for many years to come.
So for now we bid our ninth-graders a safe and successful journey as they embark upon the challenging adventure that is high school. The motto of the day was “This is not the stopping point.” Indeed, we all have to keep moving forward.
Representative Lawrence Morris awards student Naomi with her graduation certificate. She was also awarded the “Good Citizen Award” for her exceptional behavior and will be attending BWI next year on a full scholarship.
McGratta, the valedictorian for the 9th grade graduating class, delivers her impressive speech, which focused on the importance of education. She earned herself a full high school scholarship and has chosen to attend St. Kizito Catholic High School.
None of this would be possible without our brilliant, hard-working teachers! Thank you all!
It was truly worth the wait to have our graduation programs celebrated in our chapel again. No computer screen or internet connection can replace the real sense of community that we share when we come together in person to highlight the successful youth in our society. We pray that God might spare us from further worldwide disasters and permit us to mark this and other occasions each and every year.
This is not the stopping point! On to the next chapter, by the Grace of God!
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