"We are not merely students, but a vibrant community of individuals who have discovered our passions and fearlessly pursued them,” declared Mia Zebrauskas, president of the Class of 2023 for Princeton-based Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart at her June 10 graduation ceremony.

PHOTO GALLERY: Stuart's Graduation

PHOTO GALLERY: Stuart's Baccalaureate Mass

Those 33-members of that community were destined for diverse destinations and professions. They plan to attend 28 different colleges and universities across the country, and plan to pursue a wide variety of activities and educational goals. About one-third hope to major in STEM fields, and another third plan to study the arts, humanities and social sciences. Goal award winners exemplify Stuart’s goals of 1: A personal and active faith in God; 2: A deep respect for intellectual values; 3: A social awareness which impels to action; 4: Building of community as a Christian value; and 5: Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

Julia Breen Wall, head of school, and Cheryl Lagay, chair of the Board of Trustees, conferred the diplomas to each graduate, along with a friendly recollection of their academic careers or extracurricular activities at the school or community.
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Keynote speaker, Stuart alum Christina Emile, reminded the new graduates that “it is okay to be a little scared” as they took their first steps after graduation. Emile, who graduated from the Princeton school in 2011 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Temple University and a master’s degree in public health from Liberty University, works as a senior operations analyst at Bank of America and has launched a small business, Glow Naturally, which caters to those with skin conditions.

“Make your voice heard as a woman; it is your strongest and most powerful tool,” she told the girls. “Celebrate all your wins and remain confident in yourselves.”

Zebrauskas concluded, “Each one of us brings a unique set of interests, talents, and dreams, and together we create a tapestry of inspiration, collaboration, and boundless possibilities. I have no doubt that no matter where life takes us – from the moment we leave Stuart’s green brick walls, to college, and beyond – the values and skills we have learned here at Stuart will help us succeed.”

In their last gesture of creativity and nonconformity, the girls turned what could have been a tearful and solemn march off the stage into an upbeat, joyful display. As the 70’s rock group ABBA’s “Super Trouper” blared from the sound system, each girl in turn dance-stepped forward and smiled, waved and posed to their audience as they were transformed into Stuart alumni.

Mia’s father, Ludwig Zebrauskas, supported his daughter’s desire to be schooled in the faith-based school, saying, “When we chose Stuart for our daughter, we knew she’d get a great Catholic all-girls education. What we couldn’t have anticipated were the amazing leadership skills and confidence she’s developed in an atmosphere that supports individuality while underscoring the importance in being part of the Sacred Heart community.”