Good afternoon everyone. Dr. Messmore, Mrs. Finnigan, faculty, parents, family, friends and, most of all, graduates. On behalf of Board President, Mark Brumley, and the Board of Trustees, the faculty and all the staff, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Kolbe Academy's 2022 graduation ceremony.
I'd like to first apologize for not being present today in-person in Georgia. I am at the Napa County Courthouse fulfilling my civic duty as a juror on a four-week trial.
Secondly, I'd like to thank those who have worked so hard to support the class of 2022. To Father Bird and the staff at Mary our Queen, thank you for so generously, allowing us to use your beautiful facility for the ceremony and reception. To the faculty and staff of Kobe Academy, thank you. I am incredibly grateful for your dedication to our school, your support of our mission and your care for our students. We are truly blessed.
I would especially like to thank the faculty and staff present today: our Chief Academic Officer, Mrs. Megan Lengyel, Development Senior Director, Mr. Steven Hayden, Academic Services Director, Mr. Everett Buyarski, Deans of students, Mrs. Elizabeth Hoxie and Mrs. Kelly powers, and all the other faculty and staff present today, either in person or virtually. And I can see there was quite a few, thank you for coming.
To all the parents and student volunteers who have worked so hard on today's event, especially Mrs. Kathleen Cassar and Mrs. Jennifer Youngman thank you for all your hard work and dedication to making graduation memorable for our seniors.
Finally, to the families and especially the parents of our graduates, thank you all for being with us on this special day. Whether you traveled to Georgia, or made the commitment to join us virtually, thank you for your faith and for your trust in our school. And lastly, thank you for your commitment to Catholic home education and for letting us share in the joy of forming your children.
To our graduates, thank you for allowing us to be part of your high school career. All of us at Kolbe wish you the very best in your future endeavors, whatever they may be. We pray that you always remember to listen to God and that you never forget that he is by your side. From Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and wish I could have been there today to help celebrate. God bless.
Mary Rowles
Executive Director, Kolbe Academy
