Notre Dame grads encouraged to continue learning, spread Gospel
June 16, 2025 at 1:16 p.m.
The 65th graduating class of Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, took insight from many voices at their June 1 Commencement – including the example set by the 50th anniversary alumni present.
“Embrace a learning heart, as they have done,” said NDHS president Ken Jennings. “You will accumulate a lot of knowledge, but wisdom is knowing how much more you still need to learn.”
Garnering more than $38 million in scholarships, many were accepted to highly selective institutions, including Princeton University and Columbia University, internationally recognized universities in Rome, and even the United States Air Force. Furthermore, 31 student-athlete grads will continue to play at the collegiate level.
Over four years the class accumulated 26,289 hours of community service. In addition to food, clothing and toy drives, tutoring and more, a unique service experience included students and faculty traveling to Glenmary Farm in Rutledge, Tenn., for a weeklong immersion mission trip to assist the needy.
As a thank you to Notre Dame High School, the Class of 2025 donated $11,223 to create a Legacy Garden as a gift for future students, teachers, and the school community to enjoy. Located by Perone Field, the garden will be filled with plants, flowers, and picnic tables as a peaceful place to relax, reflect, study and enjoy nature.
At the Baccalaureate Mass May 31, Father Christopher Colavito, NDHS chaplain, encouraged the students to “fulfill what I hope this school has prepared you to be: disciples of Christ – to bring out that message in your words and actions, to bring the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ to everyone you meet.”
Valedictorian Michael Anthony Busa reminded his classmates that “sacrifice, though difficult, is what shapes character … We’ve learned to live with intention and generosity.”
“What we were looking for and found at ND was a place that would guide our son to be a good person,” said Janice Hutchinson, mother of 2025 graduate Carter Hillsdon and a 1998 NDHS alumna.
“People are so kind and willing to listen to others’ perspectives,” Carter said. “I’d advise people to take advantage of the opportunities at Catholic high school… You build deeper connection through religion – it’s definitely a character-builder.”
Jayden Hunt receives Holy Communion from Deacon Rich Hobson during the May 31 Baccalaureate Mass in Notre Dame High School. Matt Marzorati photo
Monitor June 2025 Graduation: Led by Faith
Graduation 2025 in the Diocese
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
E-Editions
Events
The 65th graduating class of Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, took insight from many voices at their June 1 Commencement – including the example set by the 50th anniversary alumni present.
“Embrace a learning heart, as they have done,” said NDHS president Ken Jennings. “You will accumulate a lot of knowledge, but wisdom is knowing how much more you still need to learn.”
Garnering more than $38 million in scholarships, many were accepted to highly selective institutions, including Princeton University and Columbia University, internationally recognized universities in Rome, and even the United States Air Force. Furthermore, 31 student-athlete grads will continue to play at the collegiate level.
Over four years the class accumulated 26,289 hours of community service. In addition to food, clothing and toy drives, tutoring and more, a unique service experience included students and faculty traveling to Glenmary Farm in Rutledge, Tenn., for a weeklong immersion mission trip to assist the needy.
As a thank you to Notre Dame High School, the Class of 2025 donated $11,223 to create a Legacy Garden as a gift for future students, teachers, and the school community to enjoy. Located by Perone Field, the garden will be filled with plants, flowers, and picnic tables as a peaceful place to relax, reflect, study and enjoy nature.
At the Baccalaureate Mass May 31, Father Christopher Colavito, NDHS chaplain, encouraged the students to “fulfill what I hope this school has prepared you to be: disciples of Christ – to bring out that message in your words and actions, to bring the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ to everyone you meet.”
Valedictorian Michael Anthony Busa reminded his classmates that “sacrifice, though difficult, is what shapes character … We’ve learned to live with intention and generosity.”
“What we were looking for and found at ND was a place that would guide our son to be a good person,” said Janice Hutchinson, mother of 2025 graduate Carter Hillsdon and a 1998 NDHS alumna.
“People are so kind and willing to listen to others’ perspectives,” Carter said. “I’d advise people to take advantage of the opportunities at Catholic high school… You build deeper connection through religion – it’s definitely a character-builder.”
Jayden Hunt receives Holy Communion from Deacon Rich Hobson during the May 31 Baccalaureate Mass in Notre Dame High School. Matt Marzorati photo