LH graduation New Haven Register May 31, 2008.pdf    Class of 2008 commencementPosted on Jun 09, 2008
On a day as bright as the expectations that filled the gymnasium, the 105 members of the Class of 2008 graduated wearing traditional white caps and gown and holding yellow roses. Click on the links to the right to see what local newspapers say about Lauralton's graduation ceremony. Photos are by Christian Abraham of the Connecticut Post. Valedictorian Caroline Raccuia and Salutatorian Katherine Doyle carried bright blue banners to lead the graduation procession, which was followed by an opening prayer and welcome from President Barbara C. Griffin, as well as remarks from Eileen Dooling, RSM, Mercy Northeast Leadership Team member As part of her closing remarks, Mrs. Griffin talked about the national presidential race. She cited the media attention that has been given to the fact that one of the potential nominees is a woman, and outlined the qualities that she believes the next person elected to the Oval Office must possess: Confidence. Competence. Compassion. “I have just described the perfect presidential candidate, and she sounds like a Lauralton woman to me," Mrs. Griffin said to nods from the students, family and friends sitting in folding chairs and along the bleachers. “If a woman is not elected president this year, your job is to convince those skeptical voters that it is OK to choose a woman for president." The idea of breaking barriers--of not being limited or held back by stereotypes or social stigmas--ran throughout the ceremony, most noticeably during the valedictorian and salutatorian addresses. Valedictorian Caroline Raccuia A member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, Caroline received numerous academic awards over her four years. Most recently, as a senior, she was awarded competitive department medals for excellence in history and mathematics. As an underclassman, her honors included exceptional performance in geometry, English I, physics, world history, algebra II, trigonometry and chemistry. As part of Lauralton Hall’s competitive Youth & Government Club, she was elected vice president of bill writing her senior year and youth secretary of state for Connecticut’s 2007-08 statewide Youth & Government Conference. Described by her teachers as “extremely bright,” “highly motivated” and “insightful,” Caroline also served as president of the Spanish Club. Salutatorian Katherine Doyle “Things … cannot be done alone. I will be the first to tell you that sock-sliding is not the least bit entertaining without your friends by your side, and that if you stand alone on a beach singing ‘The Circle of Mercy,’ people will undoubtedly give you some funny looks! Luckily, when it comes to the moments that have mattered most to us in our high school years, we have had the good fortune to share them with each other.” Director of Lauralton’s 2008 spring play and three-year editor-in-chief of Highlights, Kate will attend Brown University in the fall. As a senior, she was awarded the competitive French Department Medal, named a Connecticut Association of Schools Scholar-Athlete and served as captain of Lauralton Hall’s cross country team. Her passion for theater made her an active member of the school drama club and extended into the community during the summer of 2006, when she was one of just ten students accepted to take part in the selective Joanne Woodward Apprentice Program at Westport Country Playhouse. A high honors student all four years, three-year member of the ski team and member of the French Club, Kate has also spent time volunteering for various organizations in her hometown of Westport. As an underclassman, she earned the Princeton University Book Award, as well as awards for excellence in English, French, history, art and math. A member of the National Honor Society and French National Honor Society, Katherine also received citizenship awards for service to school plays and Highlights. Following tradition, representatives of the Class of 1958 celebrating their 50th jubilee were recognized during the ceremony. Members of the Class of 2008 presented a single pink rose to each jubilarian, symbolizing the new bond of friendship between the graduates and all their fellow alumnae. Catherine McAuley Award Recipient Laura Discenza Named after Sisters of Mercy foundress Catherine McAuley, the award is given annually to a student for her dedication and commitment to Lauralton’s mission. Laura stood out and made a difference at Lauralton in many ways. She co-founded and served as co-president for four years of Lauralton’s Campus Ministry Club; was a freshman mentor and active volunteer, giving time to welcome new students at freshman orientation. Laura also performed at community events as a member of Lauralton’s Advanced Vocal Ensemble, and worked at her local library. An honor roll student, she played varsity basketball and golf and, as a sophomore, was selected to represent Lauralton Hall at a National Student Leadership Conference. She is also the recipient of the Laura E. LaFlamme, ’88 Book Scholarship and National Association of Secondary School Principals Citizenship Award. “In and out of school, Laura has worked to make the world a better place,” said Lauralton Principal Ann Pratson. “She’s active in her parish, serious about learning, and willing to take on any project or task--a real leader who represents the very best of our student body. It’s been a privilege to have her here.” Miss Pratson offered similar, yet bittersweet, kudos for all the graduates: “I’m going to miss them terribly. They are true Lauralton ladies.” Class of 2008 Awards Night took place on May 21. Congratulations to all award winners. Department medal recipients are listed: Art Medal: Lisa Cardassi |
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