Donovan Catholic grads urged to keep the rhythm in their future endeavors
June 16, 2025 at 1:01 p.m.
Weaving her passion for music into her valedictory address, Donovan Catholic’s Meredith Westfall asked all who gathered for the June 2 graduation ceremony in St. Joseph Church, Toms River, to think first about a song they find meaningful.
She then asked her 127 fellow graduates to reflect on “the songs that aren’t written yet; those we don’t know, the songs that will define us.”
Even though in the future, wrong notes will be played, lyrics will have to be rewritten and there will be changes in the key and time structure, Westfall urged the class to “never forget that your song is a blessing to every person you encounter.
“May God continue to conduct each measure of your journey. ”
At the June 1 Baccalaureate Mass, Father Scott Shaffer, pastor, said “the same message that Jesus gave his apostles at the Ascension, I’m hoping to give to you.”
“By the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostles could go out into the world and tell the Good News without fear and with confidence in what God has given them,” he said. Like the apostles, he urged the graduates to “Keep your hearts and minds focused on the one who should be the center of our lives, the Lord Jesus.”
Notable class highlights included the more than 4,000 hours of service given to the local community – weekly trips to Seeds of Service and Big Brothers/Big Sisters and serving at sites like Headstart and Habitat for Humanity. Having four graduates enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces is a source of pride.
Kevin Kelly, father of graduate, Hannah Kelly, reflected on providing three daughters with both a Catholic grammar school and high school education. “When considering costs and value of a Catholic education … the costs quickly became miniscule compared to the life changing values it has added to my family’s bottom line,” he said. “A Catholic education set the foundation for my children to achieve and succeed in life.”
An overview photo taken during the June 1 Baccalaureate Mass shows Father Scott Shaffer addressing Donovan Catholic’s Class of 2025 in his homily. Matt Marzorati photo
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Weaving her passion for music into her valedictory address, Donovan Catholic’s Meredith Westfall asked all who gathered for the June 2 graduation ceremony in St. Joseph Church, Toms River, to think first about a song they find meaningful.
She then asked her 127 fellow graduates to reflect on “the songs that aren’t written yet; those we don’t know, the songs that will define us.”
Even though in the future, wrong notes will be played, lyrics will have to be rewritten and there will be changes in the key and time structure, Westfall urged the class to “never forget that your song is a blessing to every person you encounter.
“May God continue to conduct each measure of your journey. ”
At the June 1 Baccalaureate Mass, Father Scott Shaffer, pastor, said “the same message that Jesus gave his apostles at the Ascension, I’m hoping to give to you.”
“By the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostles could go out into the world and tell the Good News without fear and with confidence in what God has given them,” he said. Like the apostles, he urged the graduates to “Keep your hearts and minds focused on the one who should be the center of our lives, the Lord Jesus.”
Notable class highlights included the more than 4,000 hours of service given to the local community – weekly trips to Seeds of Service and Big Brothers/Big Sisters and serving at sites like Headstart and Habitat for Humanity. Having four graduates enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces is a source of pride.
Kevin Kelly, father of graduate, Hannah Kelly, reflected on providing three daughters with both a Catholic grammar school and high school education. “When considering costs and value of a Catholic education … the costs quickly became miniscule compared to the life changing values it has added to my family’s bottom line,” he said. “A Catholic education set the foundation for my children to achieve and succeed in life.”
An overview photo taken during the June 1 Baccalaureate Mass shows Father Scott Shaffer addressing Donovan Catholic’s Class of 2025 in his homily. Matt Marzorati photo