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Bishop Byrne Graduation
Saturday, May 14, 2011, dawned clear and cool, but for the
27 graduating seniors of Bishop Byrne Middle and High
School, the excitement was enough to keep them warm and
glowing. Boys and girls who, just days ago were high school
students, arrived at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church,
looking like young men and women; the future of our city and
the leaders of tomorrow.
A standing room only crowd of proud parents, grandparents,
and friends packed the St. Paul sanctuary to watch these
students receive the awards and recognition earned over
years of hard work and dedication. The graduates gave
something back too, acknowledging their teachers and
families for years of support. In her valedictory speech,
co-valedictorian Shanice D’Shara Oliver said “Our success is
your success for you have given us the freedom to dare, the
courage to excel and belief that we can achieve our best.
You have been there for us …you had faith when we doubted,
you provided what we lacked, you explained when we did not
understand. For that, the Class of 2011 says thank you.”
Nicholas McKee, co-valedictorian, reminded classmates that
their journey is just beginning, “We have been changed by
this place. We have been given the tools to be successful
and it is up to us to now use what is in our minds and in
our hearts.” In reminding his classmates of the many
lessons learned in high school, Nick told them, “We have all
learned something here that will help us to be better
people. We can’t stop now.”
Indeed, the future looks bright for a class of just 27
graduates who earned $2.3 million in scholarships, who have
received more than 50 college acceptances, and who have
career goals ranging from professional athletics to
biochemistry. Qadree Williams III was awarded a surprise
scholarship during the ceremony when Sgt. 1st
Class Wilson of the Mississippi National Guard presented him
with a National Guard Recruitment Scholarship for $88,000.
Qadree responded by saying, “I didn’t expect that. I didn’t
know anything about it until they announced my name, but it
makes me really proud.” Qadree will be reporting for
training with the Guard in the next few weeks.
Catholic Schools Superintendent, Dr. Mary McDonald, gave the
commencement address, reminding students that the world is
changing and it is up to them to continue to learn and grow
to ready themselves to lead our community and our world.
That’s a challenge that the Class of 2011 is prepared to
take on with gusto.
(l to r) Bishop Byrne Class of 2011 Salutorian Brittany
Young and Co-Valedictorians Nicholas McKee and Shanice
Oliver.
Bishop Byrne Graduate, Qadree Williams, accepts an $88,000
scholarship from the Mississippi Army National Guard. |
