Graduation Speech 2019

I am not sure if you were aware, but there is currently a traffic jam of sorts on Mount Everest.  Yes, there are that many climbers, who, at the same time, are tackling the world’s largest and tallest mountain, all with the same goal- reaching the summit, 29, 000 feet and 5 and half miles above sea level.

While that is almost too hard to believe on its’ own, take into consideration that the wind on the summit of the 60-million-year old mountain reaches up to almost 200 mph. During the course of a calendar year, the weather changes dramatically on the Everest, with temperatures dipping below -80° and exceeding over 100°.  Most climbers require additional oxygen that is necessary to simply breathe in that altitude. And unfortunately, as we have seen, there are those climbers that don’t make it to the top.  Some abandon the trek when it becomes too difficult and additional factors including weather and unpreparedness turn this potential triumph into a tragedy.

Graduates, this mountain reminds me of life and the challenges that you will face as you grow and mature into young men and women.  There will certainly be moments, like today, where you have reached a peak, a high point deserving of celebration. And then there will be those instances that feel like the lowest of lows, like a valley between the great rocky hills in a mountain range. Sometimes, you may experience both of these feelings in the same day, hour or even minute.  But those peaks and valleys are what life is all about.  How we climb through, or over, or around an obstacle to reach the peak is what defines us and illustrates our true character as a human being and child of God.
When climbing the great mountains of the world, many hikers start out with full backpacks of supplies, and on occasion unnecessary items.  The trails of Everest are littered with possessions discarded by the climbers, realizing that the extra items not only proved to be unneeded, but also a burden to carry on their way to the top.  As we journey through life, we will also have to make choices where we find it necessary to abandon attitudes, habits, and sadly, even some people who hinder our way to success. 

That being said, you will need to be prepared for the journey and there are tools that you will need to take with you as you enter high school.  The love, guidance and support of your family and friends is never, ever something to take for granted.  Their care and encouragement is what has gotten you thus far, and there is so much more life to be lived. Your education, the values and morals that have been instilled in you by your parents and your teachers are certainly among the essentials needed to continue on the journey of life.  In every graduation address she gave, Sr. Dorothy always thanked the parents, grandparents and family members for their continued cooperation and support.  She knew it was all of you, who sacrificed so much for your graduate to receive this quality Catholic education from Trenton Catholic Academy. She prayed for you daily. Please continue to remember her and hold her in your prayers as well.

Matshona Dhliwayo, a Canadian based philosopher, entrepreneur, and author has said, “to climb great mountains you need feet of faith.” Have truer words ever been spoken?  You have been given the gift of faith by God, nurtured by your school and faith communities. When a climber begins his ascent upon a mountain, he or she is not always sure how high the summit is or what is on the other side. As in life, we don’t know what awaits us as we move through our days here on Earth, but we know that when we walk by faith and bring Jesus along with us, what awaits us on the other side is certainly worth the long and twisting road on the journey of life. 

And remember, just as love and faith can move mountains, self-doubt and fear can make those mountains appear larger than they actually are. Believe in yourself and appreciate all of the gifts and talents given to you by God.  You all are truly special and there is no doubt that you all have the ability to “move mountains” to achieve great things in the years to come.
There are over 1 million mountains in the world and there are 74 named mountains in the United States alone.  These breathtaking landforms add to the beauty and majesty of this beautiful planet that God has given us to call home.  And I have to agree with the song, “What the World Needs Now is Love,” “Lord, we don’t need another mountain, there are mountains and hillsides enough to climb.”  But we do need you.  We need each and every one of you and the unique gift and treasure you are to the world.  Never forget that. Our world needs your smile, your spirit, your leadership, your abilities, your skills and your strengths now more than ever.

Dearest graduates, may God continue to bless you and the paths you travel. I wish you all the best in high school and in the years to come.  May you reach the “highest peak” with much love and success in your lives. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

Mrs. Anne Reap
Lower School Director

Trenton Catholic Academy Lower School is located on a beautiful 64 acre wooded campus in Hamilton, New Jersey serving 318 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.

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.

Zonta Club of Trenton – Mercer/County Commission on Women Art/Essay Contest Winners
Seventeen students from Trenton Catholic Academy are to be congratulated on being selected as winners in this contest.  The students are Nathalie Joseph, Uchechi Kanu, Alexander Liz, Keyshla Casasanovas, Kamilah Robinson, Jailyn Kruk, Maria Jagielska, Timothy Abraham, Isabel Feliciano, Makhaya Campbell, Eresi Kanu, Juliette Fernandez, Maxianne Brignolle, Susanna Sloh, Kathia Hernandez, Gloria Leroy and Rebeca Tapia.  Congratulations and thank you for being exceptional!

Elk's Essay Contest Winners - Congratulations are extended to 4 students for placing in the Americanism Essay contest "What Makes You Proud of America" sponsored by the Elks Hamilton Lodge.  Nathalie Deleon placed 3rd in Division 1 and Rebeca Tapia, 1st place; Alyssa Rauscher, 2nd place and Keith Tillett, 3rd place in Division 2. 

Respect Life Poster and Essay Contest - Two students from TCA Lower School have been awarded for their entries.  Valerie Navarro has been awarded first runner up for the Grade 6-8 Essay Contest and Joel Bodon has been awarded first runner up for the Grade 6-8 Poster Contest from Mercer County.  Their creative entries pertaining to Respect Life issues and reflecting this year's theme, "Every Life - Cherished*Chosen*Sent were recognized as exceptional!

TCA Places 2nd at Scholastic Olympics We are proud to announce that our Scholastic Olympic team came in 2nd place at this year's National Honor Society competition against 6 other local schools. Our winners include: 1st Place Religion-Gloria Leroy, 3rd Place Religion-Idris Kabba, 1st Place History-Sydney Douglas, 2nd Place History-Miles Humphrey, 1st Place Spelling-Analise Granberry and 1st Place Art-Hecybel Morales-Angel.  Kudos to the entire team and their teachers for their exemplary performance!

Walk for Education a huge success!  This year's annual Walk for Education raised over $5000 by the Lower School alone.  Special credit is extended to Mrs. Schwinger's 8th graders who raised $1100 and to 8th grader Mikayla Williams who brought in $550!  Mrs. Sumola's 4th graders also earned a Dress Down Day by contributing over $600.  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 13.  This year there were over 50 participants from Diocesan schools.  Audrey Lillie Bing placed first in the Girls Varsity race and Esther Johnson placed 3rd.  Both Napoleon boys, Dylan and Brandon placed 3rd in the Boys Junior Varsity and Boys Varsity races.  Special thank you to Coach Haneman for an outstanding season!

Student Council Makes a Difference!   We are proud to announce the 2018-2019 Lower School Student Council - President - Gloria Leroy, Vice President - Rossini Leroy, Recorder - Anthony Morales, Spirituality - Alyssa Rauscher, Class Representatives - Audrey Lillie Bing, Amy Sepulveda, Kiehrah Boyer, Geovanny Herrera, Dalton Estilow and Alijah Rivera. 

TCA Lower School Teacher, 2018 STEM Teacher of the Year - TCA is proud to announce Mr. John Kocsis, TCA Lower School Tech Coordinator has been named 2018 STEM Teacher of the Year by the Professional Engineers Society of Mercer County.

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!