Two common points shared by the graduates of Villa Victoria Academy are a deep, longstanding loyalty to the school and strong family connections.
When diplomas were awarded during the June 4 commencement exercises, the all-girls school in Ewing touted there were multiple students who had older sisters who were Villa graduates. Salutatorian Lenna de la Cuz has two older sisters; valedictorian Crystal Ordonez has an older sister; and two other graduating seniors also have sisters who are alumnae.
PHOTO GALLERY: Villa Victoria’s Baccalaureate Mass/Commencement
“Villa has molded our daughters into strong, independent young women,” said Jenn Cucarese, mother of 2023 graduate Arianna Cucarese and 2021 graduate Giavanna. “They are leaders who show responsibility and respect toward others; they have morals and values. … Villa is like a second home for our girls.”
Prior to the commencement ceremony, Msgr. Ralph Stansley, a retired diocesan priest, celebrated a Baccalaureate Mass. In his homily, he urged the 15 students to remember that along with taking “the math and science and all they learned” to their new college or job, they should take “their God with them as well.”
The class was reported to have earned $2.9 million in college scholarships.
Barbara Yetman, director of guidance, said at the recent college signing ceremony, “The 100% college acceptance and more than $2.9 million dollars in scholarships and grants doesn’t happen without hard work, sacrifice and commitment on behalf of our seniors.
“Their majors, interests and talents reflect a wide range of fields,” including psychology, pre-med, computer science, nursing, music education, fashion design, political science, English, environmental policy, aerospace engineering, biomedical science, landscape architecture, biology, and secondary education.
“Some want to create, others want to heal, some want to teach, others are interested in research, but all are interested in improving the lives of others,” she said.
In addition, almost every senior participated in the spring musical — whether the students performed onstage, played an instrument in the orchestra or worked with the backstage or technical crews.
Filippini Sister Lesley Draper, principal of Villa Victoria, said while the class of 2023 had faced “unprecedented experiences,” especially due to the pandemic, “we are proud to say our graduates persevered and did not let setbacks hold them back.
“All of our graduates are to be commended on their high level of achievement and participation,” Sister Lesley said. “We believe the Villa Victoria experience fortified our graduates with a deep faith in God, confidence in their abilities, and a sense of purpose for their futures.”
“We hope our graduates continue to deepen their relationship with God and share their many talents,” Sister Lesley said. “We also hope they will maintain close friendships with their classmates who have become more like sisters.”