 Every
year Mount Michael has to say goodbye to its seniors. Having spent
the past four years living
at Mount Michael, they are now moving
on to another stage of their lives. It is a mixed blessing for
both the seniors and the staff that was involved in their education.
The
end of this Mount Michael education officially happened with Senior
Graduation this past Sunday in the Palace.
Having actually completed their last tests on the seventh of May, the seniors
came back to the Mount for one last time as students. They arrived in time for
the 10 o’clock mass and graduation. Before the ceremony even started, parents,
relatives, and friends filled the gym and awaited the arrival of Mount Michael’s
latest generation of graduates. Followed by the Mount Michael staff and monastic
community, the seniors entered and took their seats next to the altar.
The senior class helped with the mass which was
presided by Fr. Richard. Greg Hall and Mike Lundgren gave the readings. The homily
was given by Fr. Mike who
let the seniors know they are always welcome back at the Mount. Mass then continued
with the petitions which were given by Patrick Cogar, Jordan Dorsey, Christopher
Gamm, Daniel Gard, Mike Pick, Dan Sampson, and Pat Tefft. Helping with the
distribution of Eucharist were Andrew Dale, Addison
Killeen, Tyler Martin, Eric Patton, Mike Block, and John Pieper .
The ceremony then turned to Andy Huss, the
Valedictorian of the Class of 2004, giving a speech to encourage his classmates
on their  future
goals. He reflected back on some of their good times together and congratulated
them
on their efforts over the past four years. Abbot Raphael and Mr. Ridder then
continued
with handing out all of the diplomas. Mass quickly finished after that and
the graduates met outside for the celebratory hat throwing. They were then quickly
surrounded by family and friends eager to congratulate them and take their
pictures.
The event came to an end after everyone had the
chance to eat a piece of cake and get something to drink. Everyone then climbed
in their
cars and headed home
or to the various parties held by the senior families. Ben Vacha, who had a
brother graduate this year, commented on the ceremony saying, “Graduation
went over swimmingly and I really enjoyed all of the speakers.”
Article and slide show by Evan Freilich, Video
by Zach Pluhacek
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