Graduates join ranks of Red Bank Catholic alumni
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
In the 1800s, it was St. James Upper School. Then it became St. James High School. And today, it is known as Red Bank Catholic High School.
The latest identity of the landmark Red Bank institution invited 239 of its newest members to the school’s alumni association during a commencement ceremony celebrated in the Monmouth University Activities Center, West Long Branch, June 4, as the young men and women celebrated the completion of their high school careers and began to look forward to the next phase in their lives.
As principal Robert Abatemarco puts it, the graduates – both the latest class and those who have come before them – are “Caseys, once and forever.”
Abatemarco has a lot to be proud of in the newest alumni, who wrangled acceptances from some 232 institutions. He said that 157 of the students have also been awarded scholarships, with 95-percent of the awards being given based upon academic merit.
“Over these four years, we have had the privilege of coming to know them,” he said of the graduates.
“In a world where there is a need for faith-filled ethical leaders, new ideas and fresh solutions, and those who can laugh and give perspective, the Class of 2014 is uniquely posed to tackle all three.”
The graduation ceremony came hours after the class gathered in the same space for a final Mass together as high school students – celebrated by Father Douglas A. Freer, diocesan vicar for Catholic education.
During his homily, Father Freer told the graduates that they had reached “quite a milestone” in their lives, and that they were approaching a threshold that would lead to changes and challenges.
Later in the evening, the graduation ceremony drew many parents, friends and supporters, who came out to see the students receive their diplomas and be recognized with academic and institutional awards.
Valedictorian Kathleen Davin, who will be headed to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, in the fall, spoke about the blessings the graduates have received during their time at RBC in her speech.
“We have been surrounded by great people since our first days here,” she said.
Davin also spoke about how much more the graduates have ahead of them in terms of life experiences and challenges, not to mention mistakes.
“I have not done enough living yet,” she said. Davin later added, “Eventually we will get there. We will end up where we are meant to be.”
Her words were echoed by salutatorian Allison Villane, who shared reflections on behalf of the graduating class during her address.
From taking the SATs to learning how to drive, she recapped some of the major life experiences and challenges that the class had encountered.
“We have left our mark on this school,” she said. “And now, we have to make our mark on the world.”
RBC also left its mark on the latest class of graduates.
Jillian Petriello, whose brother, David Black, was among those adorning green and gold caps and gowns, said that she has heard very positive things about his time there.
“He has loved Red Bank,” she said. “It has been wonderful for him, socially and academically.”
Tom Russo, the uncle to graduate Richard Bonanno, said that the faith tradition of Red Bank Catholic was a powerful aspect of his nephew’s experience.
“They kept his religion close to his heart,” he said.
For Jack McMenaman, the Catholic faith is an important part of the educational process.
His granddaughter, Quinn, was among the smiling faces of the graduating class.
He noted, however, that the Baccalaureate Mass he was attending was not the only ceremony on his calendar this season. He has 50 grandchildren, he said, and several of them are in high school.
“I usually do 10-12 a year,” he said when discussing the various graduations he attends for his family members.
He said that his family is devout in the faith, and that several of his grandchildren, including Quinn, are enrolled in Catholic institutions.
“She comes from a very devout family,” he said, adding that he decided to attend the Mass portion of the Red Bank commencement proceedings. “We chose to go to the Baccalaureate Mass rather than the graduation.”
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In the 1800s, it was St. James Upper School. Then it became St. James High School. And today, it is known as Red Bank Catholic High School.
The latest identity of the landmark Red Bank institution invited 239 of its newest members to the school’s alumni association during a commencement ceremony celebrated in the Monmouth University Activities Center, West Long Branch, June 4, as the young men and women celebrated the completion of their high school careers and began to look forward to the next phase in their lives.
As principal Robert Abatemarco puts it, the graduates – both the latest class and those who have come before them – are “Caseys, once and forever.”
Abatemarco has a lot to be proud of in the newest alumni, who wrangled acceptances from some 232 institutions. He said that 157 of the students have also been awarded scholarships, with 95-percent of the awards being given based upon academic merit.
“Over these four years, we have had the privilege of coming to know them,” he said of the graduates.
“In a world where there is a need for faith-filled ethical leaders, new ideas and fresh solutions, and those who can laugh and give perspective, the Class of 2014 is uniquely posed to tackle all three.”
The graduation ceremony came hours after the class gathered in the same space for a final Mass together as high school students – celebrated by Father Douglas A. Freer, diocesan vicar for Catholic education.
During his homily, Father Freer told the graduates that they had reached “quite a milestone” in their lives, and that they were approaching a threshold that would lead to changes and challenges.
Later in the evening, the graduation ceremony drew many parents, friends and supporters, who came out to see the students receive their diplomas and be recognized with academic and institutional awards.
Valedictorian Kathleen Davin, who will be headed to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, in the fall, spoke about the blessings the graduates have received during their time at RBC in her speech.
“We have been surrounded by great people since our first days here,” she said.
Davin also spoke about how much more the graduates have ahead of them in terms of life experiences and challenges, not to mention mistakes.
“I have not done enough living yet,” she said. Davin later added, “Eventually we will get there. We will end up where we are meant to be.”
Her words were echoed by salutatorian Allison Villane, who shared reflections on behalf of the graduating class during her address.
From taking the SATs to learning how to drive, she recapped some of the major life experiences and challenges that the class had encountered.
“We have left our mark on this school,” she said. “And now, we have to make our mark on the world.”
RBC also left its mark on the latest class of graduates.
Jillian Petriello, whose brother, David Black, was among those adorning green and gold caps and gowns, said that she has heard very positive things about his time there.
“He has loved Red Bank,” she said. “It has been wonderful for him, socially and academically.”
Tom Russo, the uncle to graduate Richard Bonanno, said that the faith tradition of Red Bank Catholic was a powerful aspect of his nephew’s experience.
“They kept his religion close to his heart,” he said.
For Jack McMenaman, the Catholic faith is an important part of the educational process.
His granddaughter, Quinn, was among the smiling faces of the graduating class.
He noted, however, that the Baccalaureate Mass he was attending was not the only ceremony on his calendar this season. He has 50 grandchildren, he said, and several of them are in high school.
“I usually do 10-12 a year,” he said when discussing the various graduations he attends for his family members.
He said that his family is devout in the faith, and that several of his grandchildren, including Quinn, are enrolled in Catholic institutions.
“She comes from a very devout family,” he said, adding that he decided to attend the Mass portion of the Red Bank commencement proceedings. “We chose to go to the Baccalaureate Mass rather than the graduation.”
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