Florida Catholic | Diocese Of Venice Graduates Its Class Of 2008

THE STORIES OF THREE GRADUATES: Dan McGrail | Kelsey McGregor | Kevin Sarlo

Diocese of Venice graduates its class of 2008

Published: 06.06.08

BOB REDDY | FC
NAPLES | St. John Neumann High School seniors toss their caps into the air on the football field following their May 21 commencement.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane prays for the Cardinal Mooney High School class of 2008 during commencement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

BOB REDDY | FC
SARASOTA | Bishop Frank J. Dewane prays for the Cardinal Mooney High School class of 2008 during commencement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Bishop Verot High School graduating senior Aaron Patzwahl delivers the commencement address during the May 17 ceremony at the Fort Myers school.

BOB REDDY | FC
FORT MYERS | Bishop Verot High School graduating senior Aaron Patzwahl delivers the commencement address during the school’s May 17 commencement exercises.

Bishop Verot High School graduating senior girls applaud during the class of 2008 commencement ceremony May 17 in the school’s gymnasium.

BOB REDDY | FC
FORT MYERS | Bishop Verot High School graduating senior girls applaud during the class of 2008 commencement ceremony May 17 in the school’s gymnasium.

An impressive 99 percent of the 341 students of the Diocese of Venice class of the 2008 are going off to college and universities across the country.

Because the high school graduates of Bishop Verot in Fort Myers, St. John Neumann in Naples and Cardinal Mooney in Sarasota are taking with them a special knowledge of their faith, they will make a lasting contribution to society no matter what path they choose.

“Just as you have worked hard for the accomplishments you have made, you must work hard on your faith,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane. “A dedication of time and devotion is needed in building of your spiritual life. Exercise that gift and let it be a strength in your life.”

Aaron Patzwahl of Bishop Verot said during his commencement address that the image of the Mass truly enlightens the spirit of each graduate.

“The Eucharist is Gods gift to us. We received the Eucharist during many special Masses as a class. It serves as a link to us no matter where we go,” Patzwhal said. “We are challenged by the community and our faith to go in peace and serve the Lord.”

At St. John Neumann, where all 54 graduates will attend college and are recipients of more than $5.5 million in scholarships, valedictorian Preston Ebaugh said his class is approaching the world with a bright outlook.

“With our small class sizes and volunteer work out in the community we are well-equipped with the ability to succeed in the world,” Ebaugh said.

The class was led into the commencement ceremony by a bagpipe, played by Ryan Deschenes. Following commencement the students marched out onto the football field and tossed their caps into the air.

Cardinal Mooney seniors held their graduation at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on the Sarasota bayfront.

Valedictorian Dan McGrail described the class’ senior year as a year of lasts and firsts, but it is only one chapter in the story their lives.

Bishop Dewane credits the teachers in each of the schools with instilling the graduates with a moral base for dealing with the world.

“You can discern what is right and wrong,” he said. “Each of us is a product of God. We are loved and we are necessary. When you have concerns and are unsure or alone, speak with God. Seek God out in prayer and the sacraments. Have God involved daily in the spiritual challenges that are part of life.”

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Diocese of Venice graduates its class of 2008

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