Red Bank Catholic grads one step further on the journey
June 16, 2025 at 12:56 p.m.
Emily Fischer, Red Bank Catholic High School salutatorian, quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson in her Commencement address to classmates: “Our journey is as important as the destination.”
“This includes the people we have met, the places we have gone, and the experiences we have endured,” she said. “All of the stops on our journey, all of the conversations, events, turns, detours and celebrations have shaped who we are today.”
Beginning with a Baccalaureate Mass May 30 in St. Mary Church, Middletown, celebrated by Msgr. Joseph N. Rosie, RBC director and pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank, 174 graduates revisited heavenly inspiration for learning and heard encouragement from St. James’ Deacon Thomas Wieczerzak.
“Challenges in life will always be there, but there is always hope … with Jesus,” he said. “We can’t wait to see faith in action as your lives shine forth the Light of Christ.”
Commencement on May 31 in Ocean First Bank Center, West Long Branch, was a time to acknowledge the stellar achievements of the Class of 2025. The value of college scholarships awarded to the seniors was more than $38 million – $7 million more in scholarships than last year’s class with the same number of students. The class also has female students entering the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Attending a Catholic high school helped graduate Ariana Garmany to connect more with her faith, she noted. Her favorite experiences included the clap-out Mass for seniors and the school’s many food and clothing drives to help those in need in the community.
“RBC has taught me things about my religion and has brought me closer to God,” said Garmany, who belongs to St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, with her family. “I would advise people to be open minded and get to learn more things about the Catholic faith.”
Her mother, Stefanie, said she chose a Catholic high school for Ariana because “the high school years are so important with forming and influencing their future, and making sure they’re on the right track.”
Fischer reminded her fellow graduates of Pope Leo XIV’s encouragement that “We are all in God’s hands,” and to move forward without fear.
“Expect the forks in the road, choose a path, circle back if you have to,” Fisher said, “but as Pope Leo said, ‘move forward’ and continue on that journey to find your purpose and make the change you want to see in the world.”
Graduates of RBC sing the entrance hymn as their May 30 Baccalaureate Mass begins in St. Mary Church, Middletown. John Batkowski photo
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Emily Fischer, Red Bank Catholic High School salutatorian, quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson in her Commencement address to classmates: “Our journey is as important as the destination.”
“This includes the people we have met, the places we have gone, and the experiences we have endured,” she said. “All of the stops on our journey, all of the conversations, events, turns, detours and celebrations have shaped who we are today.”
Beginning with a Baccalaureate Mass May 30 in St. Mary Church, Middletown, celebrated by Msgr. Joseph N. Rosie, RBC director and pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank, 174 graduates revisited heavenly inspiration for learning and heard encouragement from St. James’ Deacon Thomas Wieczerzak.
“Challenges in life will always be there, but there is always hope … with Jesus,” he said. “We can’t wait to see faith in action as your lives shine forth the Light of Christ.”
Commencement on May 31 in Ocean First Bank Center, West Long Branch, was a time to acknowledge the stellar achievements of the Class of 2025. The value of college scholarships awarded to the seniors was more than $38 million – $7 million more in scholarships than last year’s class with the same number of students. The class also has female students entering the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Attending a Catholic high school helped graduate Ariana Garmany to connect more with her faith, she noted. Her favorite experiences included the clap-out Mass for seniors and the school’s many food and clothing drives to help those in need in the community.
“RBC has taught me things about my religion and has brought me closer to God,” said Garmany, who belongs to St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, with her family. “I would advise people to be open minded and get to learn more things about the Catholic faith.”
Her mother, Stefanie, said she chose a Catholic high school for Ariana because “the high school years are so important with forming and influencing their future, and making sure they’re on the right track.”
Fischer reminded her fellow graduates of Pope Leo XIV’s encouragement that “We are all in God’s hands,” and to move forward without fear.
“Expect the forks in the road, choose a path, circle back if you have to,” Fisher said, “but as Pope Leo said, ‘move forward’ and continue on that journey to find your purpose and make the change you want to see in the world.”
Graduates of RBC sing the entrance hymn as their May 30 Baccalaureate Mass begins in St. Mary Church, Middletown. John Batkowski photo