Graduation Speech to the Class of 2020

“Let Faith Be Your Guide”. When we selected the theme for the 2019-2020 school year last summer, we never could have imagined how drastically our world would change just 8 short months later.  In the blink of an eye, our entire reality has been transformed.  Almost everything: from how we learn, how we pray and as evidenced by this video, how we celebrate milestones, is different.

We have all experienced feelings of loss during these past few weeks. And while the pain from our loss is still fresh, while the plans we made have been postponed, and while the future may seem uncertain at the moment, there are some things that have remained constant and unchanged.

What hasn’t changed is how important it is, now more than ever, to “let faith be our guide.” During these times of trouble, we are fortunate to have our faith in a loving and trusting God.  How reassuring it is for us to have our faith during these times?  We need to remember that our faith is bigger than our fears. When we begin to feel lost, hopeless or overwhelmed, when it becomes difficult to find the positives or “silver linings”, we need to turn to our faith and let that faith “be our guide” through the uncertainty.

What hasn’t changed is God’s love and plans for all of you.  You all have unique, God-given, gifts and talents.  As you begin this new chapter in your life, I challenge you to consider how you can use your gifts and talents in service to others.  We have recently seen the definition of a hero evolve and celebrate those who are on the frontlines serving others during this pandemic. We are seeing ordinary people doing extraordinary things daily.  How will you, in your daily life as a high school student, serve others? How will you use your gifts and talents to make our world a better place for all?  Things change. But God’s love and plans for you have not and will not. 

What hasn’t changed is how proud we are of all of you.  As a class, you have made an incredible and indelible mark on our school community. In addition to being Scholastic Olympians, CYO champions, engineers, artists and musicians, you are role models to the younger students in our school.  You have been described as “a great class”- a seemingly simple title, but one that encompasses a multitude of compliments and fond memories from your parents, family, friends and teachers. 

Years from now, we may not reflect on the year 2020 fondly. Undoubtedly, we will remember the challenges we encountered, the sacrifices we have made and the losses we have endured. This story is currently still unfolding and we cannot be sure how the next sentence, let alone chapter, will read.

But when we reflect on you, the Class of 2020, we will remember your diligence, your leadership, your resilience, your faith and your fortitude. We will remember how you were the light when there was darkness and how you were the hope when we felt hopeless.  We will remember your accomplishments, your talents and most importantly, we will remember you, the Class of 2020, as simply “a great class.’’

Congratulations to the Class of 2020. May God continue to bless you all.

Mrs. Anne Reap

Trenton Catholic Academy Lower School is located on a beautiful 64 acre wooded campus in Hamilton, New Jersey serving 336 students in  PreK-8. The administration, faculty and parents work together to create an  environment that leads children to develop academic, spiritual and social responsibilities. TCA students show concern and respect by reaching out to serve others in peace, justice and love.



Come learn why the TCA Lower School
is a place where students...
Believe, Dream, and Succeed!

Visit our Classrooms to see firsthand all of the exciting things that are happening in the Lower School.  For registration information please call, Mrs. Danser, 609-586-5888 ext. 141, or click here.

Respect Life Poster and Essay Contest Winners Announced - The Respect Life Ministry of the Diocese of Trenton is happy to announce the 1st Place County Runners-Up in their recent poster and essay contest.  Congratulations to Isabella Harris, grade 1, Alice Sloh, grade 5 and Suzie Sloh, grade 8 for being recognized for their outstanding poster and essays.  We are TCA proud!

Mrs. Biji Abraham, STEM Teacher of the Year - Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Abraham for being recognized by the Professional Engineers Society of Mercer County as the STEM Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Abraham was selected from many candidates specifically for her day to day experiences with her students in the STEM field as well as her committment to the W.I.S.E. Club (Women in Science Club).  We are honored to partner with Mrs. Abraham everyday as a member of our middle school faculty.

TCA Shines at Scholastic Olympics with 1st Place Win! - We are so proud to announce that our 8th grade Scholastic Olympic Team tied for 1st place in the 38th Annual Scholastic Olympics hosted by the TCA Upper School National Honor Society.  Special congratulations are extended to Joel Bodon and Geovanny Herrera who placed first and second in History, respectively.  Daniel Montero and Rossini Leroy also placed first and second, respectively in Religion.  Antwan Lopez placed second in Science.  Way to go TCA!

Student Council Makes a Difference!  We are pleased to announce the 2019/20 Lower School Student Council.  President:  Suzie Sloh, Vice President:  Emanyelle Donkor, Recorder:  Keihrah Boyer, Spiritual Leader:  Sunsurray Joseph

Class Representatives:  Rossini Leroy, Anthony Morales, Edwing Garcia, Alijah Rivera, Xianna Reed, Brent Zoeduah and Makhaya Campbell

Congratulations and best wishes are extended to these students as they grow in their leadership roles at TCA.  God bless them.

TCA 11 Year Champions - Mercer County Track Meet - Congratulations to our Lower School Track Team who recently demonstrated its strength, speed and heroism as it captured the 2019 CYO Track Championships.  The team set 3 CYO records and 11 school records on its way to a 166 point team total.  Special appreciation is extended to Coach Hanemann for his dedication and commitment to our running program at TCA.

Walk for Education a huge success!  This year's annual Walk for Education raised over $7000 by the Lower School alone.  Special credit is extended to Mrs. Schwinger's 8th graders who raised $1100 and to 8th grader Jordan Fusik who was our largest individual donor!  8 classes earned a dress down day with other $500 in contributions.  Thanks TCA for supporting Catholic education!

TCA Runs to Win at the Mercer County CYO Cross Country Meet - The Mercer County CYO held their 13th Annual Cross Country Meet at Mercer County Park on Saturday, October 19.  Our runners did exceptionally well as a team.  Special thank you to Coach Haneman for an outstanding season!

Reminder
Please check our school website daily for important announcements as we will not be sending home paper copies.  Simply go to  www.trentoncatholic.org and click on Lower School, then click on Backpack for all of the important papers and announcements.  Thank you for helping us Go Green!

TCA has Kids that CARE!
TCA Kids Care is a program that acknowledges students who are…. Courteous - Accepting - Respectful - Exceptional. Students who demonstrate these qualities will be recognized monthly with a certificate and breakfast with Mrs. Reap. We are so proud of our students and are excited to honor them in this special way! Ready, Set, let's CARE!