Our First Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises
On Saturday, students, faculty, staff, board members and friends gathered to celebrate the first graduating class of Chesterton Academy of Sacramento.
The morning began with a Baccalaureate Mass celebrated by Chaplain Fr. Adam Tokashiki. The CAS Choir sang the Regina Caeli, the Kyrie from William Byrd’s Mass in Three Parts, the Sanctus and Agnus Dei from the Missa de Angelis, Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, and the Salve Regina.
The graduation ceremony followed Mass, and began with an opening prayer by Fr. Alvaro Perez, pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr parish and a member of the CAS board of directors, and the national anthem led by Teresa Eggers, who teaches drama and social dance. Headmaster Joseph Moore welcomed attendees and introduced the graduates, MariaSofia Cox-Henao and Elizabeth Anne François.
Chesterton Academy of Sacramento’s first graduates, MariaSofia Cox-Henao and Elizabeth Anne François
Both graduates spoke and expressed their gratitude for the support they had received during the year.
“How can my heart be anything but grateful?” Maria asked. “Thank you again to my loyal classmates, my dear teachers who mentored me beyond what was required, and our fearless Mr. Moore who held the held of this new adventure with integrity and courage.”
Elizabeth spoke about the lessons she had gained and encouragement she had received during her senior year.
“My faith has grown this year through daily Mass, adoration, confession, and retreats, as well as from formation in the classroom. In this shared formation, I have made lasting friendships with people who push me to do better daily,” she said. “I am thankful to be well prepared for what lies ahead.”
The awarding of diplomas was preceded by an address by Fr. Alvaro and the presentation of a United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps award to Maria by Maj. Jeffrey Scudder, who teaches math and science.
The headmaster presented the graduates with their diplomas. Maria will attend Thomas Aquinas College in the fall. Elizabeth graduated summa cum laude and will attend Benedictine College.
MariaSofia Cox-Henao receives her diploma from Founding Headmaster Joseph Moore.
Elizabeth Anne François receives her diploma from Founding Headmaster Joseph Moore.
The commencement exercises closed with a concluding prayer and the singing of “Oh God Beyond All Praising.”
Immediately afterward, faculty distributed awards for excellence in different subjects to members of all of the classes of Chesterton Academy of Sacramento.