Words of wisdom send 143 on way

The newest class of St. Petersburg Catholic High School graduates marched toward ''hope and promise'' Sunday.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 20, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- Inside the Cathedral of Saint Jude the Apostle on Sunday, hundreds of parents, grandparents, siblings and friends watched and clapped as more than 140 young men and women were transformed from seniors to high school graduates.

Outside, a small plane circled slowly, pulling a banner honoring the achievement of one of these students. The banner read: "Congratulations Seth Duncan Class of 2002."

Bishop Robert N. Lynch, who presided over the St. Petersburg Catholic High School graduation ceremonies, told the students they had shown "courage, confidence, trust, and hope" in their journey to the beginning of "a lifetime of hope and promise."

Of the 143 graduates, 38 were National Honor Society members or honored for high achievements in math, music and overall academics. Those honored included:

Christina Anita Mancuso, St. Francis of Assisi Award, for her exemplary vision and faith in the tradition of the Franciscan Order.

Amy Nicole Maher, St. John Bosco Award, for her service to the school and community.

Amy Jo Brasseur, Bishop Robert N. Lynch Award, for exemplifying the philosophy, objectives and spirit of St. Petersburg Catholic High School.

"We have all grown together and learned respect and tolerance," said salutatorian Tracy Marie Kelley. "Life will often be tough, but it's supposed to be hard -- that's what makes it so great."

Valedictorian Travis John Snelling urged his fellow graduates to "keep the flames burning."

"We would all like to know that our lives will have meaning and maybe, just maybe, some of us will set the world on fire," he said. "Our greatest classes are those where we learned to think for ourselves. We have learned moral lessons of integrity, commitment, loyalty and compassion. Everything we have learned here will benefit us down the road."

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