Graduation Speech 2017
 
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed- but superheroes are pretty popular and they are everywhere. They are in movies, TV shows, comics and novels.  They are both young and old, men, women, children, humans, mutants, built of Legos and one is even made from tree roots. They may function as a team and work together or he or she may fight crime independently.  They are usually strong, attractive, possess some kind of superpower, have a wonderful supply of tools,  gadgets and electronics to save the day and a enviable lair or hideout where they keep these super powers hidden from the world.
 
Superheroes, as depicted in mainstream media, save lives, cities, worlds and even galaxies. They live lives that are truly unbelievable. While we may get wrapped up in the costumes, the special effects, complicated backstories, their extreme and often other worldly abilities,  we can often overlook the real and genuine responsibility and characteristic of a true superhero- and that is to be of SERVICE to others.
 
And this, graduates is how we can be a superhero in a world that may feel as though it is full of evil, ugliness, enemies and villains.  We may not have supernatural abilities that allow us to fly, change and morph or have superhuman speed,  but there are innate qualities that we have in all of us that can be put to good use without the need for a cape, a mask or a bite from a radioactive spider. In fact, over the years, I have found there are three easy ways one can be a hero to someone else
 
Number 1: To be a hero is to be …. Kind.  Yes it is that simple- just be nice,  We may have heard this advice from our parents, teachers, and caregivers before, “you don’t have to like everybody, but you should be kind to everybody.”  Because you see - boys and girls, while we may not always agree with one another, or like the decisions someone makes, we need to respect the person because like you and I, they are made in God’s image and likeness.  So be nice!  Be nice on-line and in person!  How you respond to someone is a reflection of your character so be sure to always reflect kindness in your words and actions.   Sometimes a simple smile or kind word can help turn someone’s day around.
 
Which brings me to number 2.  To be a hero is to be…. Helpful.  There’s a quote that is attributed to Mr. Rogers that says, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”  Yes, that is what I ask of you- be someone’s helper!  It’s natural to place the needs of ourselves first and foremost in our minds. But please, do not become too blind or too busy to see the needs of others.  Help when you can, serve when you can. We have heard the saying “be the change you wish to see in the world.”  That is exactly what you need to do!
 
And that is number 3.  To be a hero is to be ….. You.  Yes you- flaws and all, perfectly imperfect you,  can be (and may already be) someone’s hero!  I have seen all the wonderful things you have accomplished since many of you were in Pre-K. You have God-given talents, abilities that will be an asset to the communities that are a part of you both now and in the future.  Develop them, cultivate them and most important, share them.  Don’t hide your talents as superheroes often do, only allowing a few trusted individuals in on the secret. Share them with your families, your classmates, your friends-with the world.  
 
Did you know according to DC Comics, there are over 10,000 characters, Disney Marvel now counts almost 15,000 characters.  While they are are not all superheroes a good number of them identify as such.  That’s a lot of characters in the fictional world who are superheroes.  But this is the real world.  The real world needs real heroes.  The world needs heroes who are kind.  We need heroes who are helpful.  The world needs you.
 
So to my newest heros, the Class of 2017.  I wish you all the best.  Know you will be in our prayers daily,  Congratulations and may God continue to bless you always!
 


 

Trenton Catholic Academy Lower School is located on a beautiful 64 acre wooded campus in Hamilton, New Jersey serving 330 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.

Retirement Wishes extended to Mrs. Michele Makovec and Mrs. Debbie DiCosimo!
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Catholic education at TCA the past 12 years. You have made a difference in the lives of many through the years and we are forever grateful!

Zonta Club of Trenton – Mercer/County Commission on Women Art/Essay Contest Winners
Ten students from Trenton Catholic Academy are to be congratulated on being selected as winners in this contest.  The students are Rexford Agyei, Erik Jensen, Jailyn Kruk, Luis Sanchez, Xianna Reed, Angela Cerna, Jahmeer Moore, Lacoya Newland, Stacy Ihem and Erin Stout.
All of the entries beautifully depicted the special relationship each child has with his or her family.  The entries will be on display at the Lawrence Library.
Congratulations to our talented winners!  Thank you for being exceptional!
 
 Winners Announced of the 2017 Respect Life Poster, Video and Essay Contest:  We are pleased to share that the following students have been chosen as winners in the Annual Diocesan Contest - Grades K-2 Poster Mercer 1st Runner-up Jailyn Kruk, 2nd Runner-up Daniele Self, Grades 3-5 Poster Mercer 1st Runner-up Fernanda Luna-Torres, Grades 6-8 Poster Diocesan Winner Joshua Arriola, Grades 3-5 Essays Mercer 1st Runner-up Alijah Rivera, Mercer 2nd Runner-up Anthony Arriola, Grades 6-8 Essays Mercer 1st Runner-up Anthony Arrirguzoh, Mercer 2nd Runner-up Erin Stout and Grades 6-8 Videos Diocesan Winner Mrs. Stern's 6th grade class.

We are proud of our Freshman Boys Basketball Team who won the CYO Championship game and once again had an undefeated season! T C A Yay, yay, yay!

TCA students represent our school in a national handwriting contest.  Kudos to Amara Martin, Jailyn Kruk and Angelina Morales for being recognized as School Grade Level Winners in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest!

Moved by Mercy was the 2016-17 theme for the Diocese of Trenton's Annual Respect Life Contest.  Click here to see Mrs. Stern's 6th grade class video entry.

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee Winners - Malik McKoy in the 2nd - 3rd grade division,
Suzie Sloh in the 4th - 5th grade division and Lacoya Newland in the 6th - 8th grade division. How do you spell SUCCESS?

TCA Places in the Top Ten at 2016 Steinert Slam - Our Robotic Team, the Iron Mechs under the direction of Mr. Kocsis and Mr. Bangs placed 6th out of 26 teams who participated in the 9th Annual Steinert Slam!  7th grader Steven Marin, who served as a programmer and team presenter said, "It's not just playing with Leogs, we build with Legos, we learn with Legos, we succeed with Legos."  And succeed they did!  

8th Graders Shine at Scholastic Olympics - The 8th grade TCA team placed third at the recent Scholastic Olympics sponsored by the National Honor Society.  We are proud of our individual winners, Stanley Ihem - 1st place Religion, Josh Colon - 2nd place Social Studies, Yazania Romero - 3rd place Social Studies, Michelle Perez - 3rd place Art,  and John Veto - 3rd place Spelling.

Fire Safety Poster Contest Winners Recognized  - TCA Lower School received the most winning poster entries in the local Fire Safety Contest sponsored by Colonial Fire Company. Kudos to our winners:  Jassiah McNeil, Mahogany McNair, Allyson Moreno, Karolay Perez, Keyshla Casasnovas, Jailyn Kruk, Yaviah Gonzalez, Thiago Orantes, Malik McKoy, Christabel Egerega, Abigail Henry, Imani Francis, Alijah Rivera who was the overall winner, Genesis Reyes, Miles Humphry, Kylie Remboski, Jaview Pardo, Giovanni Monti, Morgan Martin, Amaya Self and Gabriel Luna.

Student Council Makes a Difference!   We are proud to announce the 2016-2017 Lower School Student Council - President - Joshua Colon, Vice President - Josephine Abraham, Recorder -  Yazania  Romero, Class Representatives -  Nia  Reed, Alan Lopez, Aaron  Delvalle , Kimberly Santos, Kylie Remboske and Idris Kabba .

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!