‘Keep God close’ Holy Cross grads urged
June 16, 2025 at 2:02 p.m.
Just before the May 30 Baccalaureate Mass began, Marie Tamasso shared how pleased she was to see her granddaughter, Ava Mosteller, graduate from Holy Cross Preparatory Academy.
“I’m really glad she came to this school,” Tamasso, a member of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt, said. “Ava has learned so much, especially about her faith. I hope what she’s learned here at Holy Cross she carries with her throughout her life.”
Along with awarding diplomas during Commencement exercises May 31, the Delran school honored the 66 students for distinguished achievements including their garnering more than $16.3 million in college scholarships. Principal David Moffa also noted that the Class of 2025 excelled in leadership.
“The underclassmen looked up to them … they were role models,” he said. “And by the seniors’ example, sets the rest of the school up for success.”
Father Jim Grogan, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, and Mass celebrant, reflected on the day’s Gospel, John 16:20-23, during which he asked the question, “Has anyone ever prayed and been disappointed with the answer?”
“The key to this Gospel is not to pray for what you want but to pray for what Jesus wants,” Father Grogan said, urging the graduates to keep that in mind as they pursue their future endeavors.
“Keep God close at all times. My prayer for you is that you always keep God close.”
When preparing her speech, valedictorian Molly Frith said she gleaned insight from TV characters from her childhood, one of whom was The Muppet Show’s Kermit the Frog. Quoting a few of Kermit’s notable statements, “It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice” and “Every journey begins with a single hop,” Frith said, “Take that hop even when it’s scary. Take that hop to be different. Take that hop to be kind and to stand up against hate. One little hop can lead to endless possibilities.”
Graduate Victoria Cellucci listed things for which she will always be grateful for during her HCPA tenure – the tight-knit community, creating strong relationships with teachers and administrators and time management, which “is one of the most valuable skills” she’s learned.
“Holy Cross has shaped me into the person I am today and has set me up for success in my future.”
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Just before the May 30 Baccalaureate Mass began, Marie Tamasso shared how pleased she was to see her granddaughter, Ava Mosteller, graduate from Holy Cross Preparatory Academy.
“I’m really glad she came to this school,” Tamasso, a member of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt, said. “Ava has learned so much, especially about her faith. I hope what she’s learned here at Holy Cross she carries with her throughout her life.”
Along with awarding diplomas during Commencement exercises May 31, the Delran school honored the 66 students for distinguished achievements including their garnering more than $16.3 million in college scholarships. Principal David Moffa also noted that the Class of 2025 excelled in leadership.
“The underclassmen looked up to them … they were role models,” he said. “And by the seniors’ example, sets the rest of the school up for success.”
Father Jim Grogan, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, and Mass celebrant, reflected on the day’s Gospel, John 16:20-23, during which he asked the question, “Has anyone ever prayed and been disappointed with the answer?”
“The key to this Gospel is not to pray for what you want but to pray for what Jesus wants,” Father Grogan said, urging the graduates to keep that in mind as they pursue their future endeavors.
“Keep God close at all times. My prayer for you is that you always keep God close.”
When preparing her speech, valedictorian Molly Frith said she gleaned insight from TV characters from her childhood, one of whom was The Muppet Show’s Kermit the Frog. Quoting a few of Kermit’s notable statements, “It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice” and “Every journey begins with a single hop,” Frith said, “Take that hop even when it’s scary. Take that hop to be different. Take that hop to be kind and to stand up against hate. One little hop can lead to endless possibilities.”
Graduate Victoria Cellucci listed things for which she will always be grateful for during her HCPA tenure – the tight-knit community, creating strong relationships with teachers and administrators and time management, which “is one of the most valuable skills” she’s learned.
“Holy Cross has shaped me into the person I am today and has set me up for success in my future.”