Milestone: Mater Dei HS Graduates 77

“I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return. Well, I don't know if I believe that's true. But I know I'm who I am today, because I knew you. Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”  ~ Wicked, the musical

Those were the lyrics with which Mater Dei Prep High School Valedictorian Juliana Grassia chose to open her speech to her fellow 77 graduates, faculty, religious leaders family and friends at the school’s graduation ceremony on June 9.

“I think it (the song) perfectly describes high school and everything we experienced together over these past four years,” Grassia told the crowd. “Some of us came into Mater Dei as strangers, with different reasons leading us to the same place. Whatever our reasons, we’re here, together.”

With the threat of severe thunderstorms looming during the milestone moment, Grassia gave her take on the class and its formative years.

High school isn’t supposed to be the best four years of our lives,” she said. “If we peak at 18, what is there to look forward to? Rather, high school is a period in which we get and test our bearings; a time to figure out what we want to do. We have the chance to ask someone to the prom on a whim. Try out a few sports. Fall in love. Be heartbroken. Fail a test. Ace a project. Lose a game. Perform in an award-winning play. For every awful experience, there is a good one, and because of that we are able to grow and change.”

Mater Dei’s class of 2011 took place at the Mary, Mother of God Church on campus and was presided over by Rev. Mosignor Michael. J. Walsh. Bishop David M. O’Connell gave the commencement address.

Salutatorian was Julia Koch and the winner of the school’s Religion Award was Christopher Pace.

Many awards were given out (see below) and comments made. Bishop O’Connell gave a humorous, inspiring speech.

“Tomorrow we’ll still look like ourselves, have the same interests, and have the same friends, but our outlook on the world has to be entirely different,” Grassia said. “We have been changed for good.”

Below is a list of awards and scholarships and recipients and more about Grassia and Salutatorian Julia Koch (provided by the school). Click on the featured slide show above for a peek into the graduation.

President’s Award for Academic Excellence: Kathleen Begley, Kaitlyn Bryans, Madeline Fuhring, Juliana Grassia, Sara Manzon, Andrew McGee and Kara Teehan

The Caring Award: Kathleen Lane

The Monmouth County Guidance Directors' Caring Award is presented annually to one student from each high school in Monmouth County.  The purpose of this award is to recognize students who have made significant contributions to their school or community.

The John Anderson Scholarship: Michael Eckert

Awarded to a senior who exemplifies a love for Mater Dei, a love for his fellow students, cooperates with administration in helping the school, and for being someone who can be counted on in time of need. 

Ellen Cunningham Akmentins Memorial Scholarship: Kaitlyn Bryans, Madeline Fuhring, Mary Katherine Jennings and Kathleen Lane

Awarded to students who are planning to major in the field of communication or education.

The Timothy Pauxtis Foundation Scholarship: Sara Buffa

This scholarship was established in 2007 in honor and memory of Timothy Pauxtis.  Tim was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2004 and battled the disease until his death in 2006. The foundation scholarship seeks to recognize the integral role nurses play in the care and treatment of all patients, but especially pediatric oncology patients.

The Grace Azzolina Scaduto Memorial Scholarship: Kathryn Davidson

This scholarship was presented to a graduating female student who has demonstrated leadership, kindness, and respect, as well as a commitment to community service.  It is presented in memory of Mrs. Scaduto’s dedication to her family, philanthropic advocacy, community service and her ongoing courage as a breast cancer victim.

The Kristin Kinlin Memorial Scholarship: Julia Koch

This scholarship is presented in memory of Kristin Kinlin, Mater Dei Class of 1996.  The criteria for eligibility for this award includes recognition of the student who best exemplifies those attributes that characterized Kristin’s philosophy of life; kindness, optimism, perseverance and cheerfulness.

The total amount of scholarships reported by the Class of 2011 is $5,500,000.00

The top ten students in order of class rank are: Juliana Grassia, Julia Koch, Sara Manzon, Kathleen Begley, Kara Teehan, Christine Kelleher, Kathryn Davidson, Caitlin Ault, Amanda Mennen and Wesley Textores

Valedictorian: Juliana Grassia

School Activities: National Honor Society, Senior Class President, Mock Trial, Academic League, Peer Counseling, Mater Dei Television Host, Mater Dei Campus Ministry, Model united Nations, French Club, Mater Dei Fide et Fortitudine Merit Scholar Program, Varsity Math Club, Seraph Newspaper

Volunteer with: St. Benedict Vacation Bible School, St. Benedict Parish Lector, Church Decorator, Parish Fair Youth Volunteer, Mater Dei Prep Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Monmouth County, Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps.

Awards: Valedictorian, Honors With Distinction, Senior Class Spirit Award, President’s Award for Academic Excellence, Four Year Award for Religious Studies and World Language, Varsity Math Club, National Honor Society, Fide et fortudine Merit Scholarship Program, Finalist in the Rider University PROBE Program, Five Subject Award for Academic Excellence (freshman year), Two Subject Awards for Academic Excellence (junior year), Student of the Quarter for fine Arts Award and PTA Scholarship for commitment to self, others, and a dedication to Mater Dei Prep.

Salutatorian: Julia Koch

School Activities: National Honor Society, J. V. Math Club, Varsity Math Club, Environmental Club, Outdoors Club, Spanish, Club, Art Club, Band, History Club Habitat for Humanity and Missions Collector, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Spring Track and Varsity Winter Track.

Volunteer Activities: De la Salle Hall Nursing Home, Manna House, Assistant Sunday School Teacher, Learn to Skate, Mater Dei Open House, Assistant Teaching Vacation Bible School, Spring into Summer 5K, St. Leo’s Lunch Break, St. Catherine’s Poinsettia Sale/picnic, Mater Dei Fashion Show and Monmouth county Food Pantry

Awards: Salutatorian, National Honor Society, Bausch and Lomb Science Award, Honorable Mention Aquatic Ecology Research, Honor with Distinction, Wendy Heisman Nominee, The President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Four Year Award for English, Religious Studies and Science, Kristin Kinlin Scholarship, Academic Excellence in Chemistry H, US History II H, Geometry H, Spanish 1 H, Spanish 2 H and Writing Workshop 2.