Moore Catholic High School graduates reflect on tragedy and joy

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Some of the graduates tearfully thanked their parents, while all of them remembered the loss of one of their own, as part of the trials they faced during their years at Moore Catholic High School.

The 171 members of the Class of 2011 at the Graniteville high school experienced plenty of ups and downs on their way to graduation day, but at no time were the lows lower than with the untim ely death of their 16-year-old classmate, Johnny Ray, who died in a one-car accident in 2009.

"All was going well until we were all shook up by an accident that has been forever engraved in our memories," said salutatorian Alexa Chelsea Allan, during commencement exercises this morning at the International Christian Center, near Moore.

 "The death of our classmate came most unexpectedly."

Students helped each other through the tragedy to graduation day, but it was their parents who helped each child attain their goals.

"Parents, without you we would be nothing," Miss Allan began, then paused briefly, choking up before the crowd's applauds helped her continue. "Personally I cannot count the number of times when I needed the comfort of a parent, and so with that I would like to thank my parents for their undying love."

The graduates said good-bye to the familiarity of Moore, and prepared to take their first steps into the "real world," said class valedictorian Kristofer David Bautista.

"Today during our commencement ceremony, we say good-bye to the four years we have become accustomed to, and prepare to venture off on our own way," Bautista said. "We thank you, our parents, for being here and supporting us students for four years, and for the many more years to come. Regardless of what we did, you always stood by us."

Principal Douglas McManus quoted the popular, yet appropriate song, 'I Hope You Dance,' by Lee Ann Womack to close the ceremony.

"I think this class has given me enough surprises already," McManus said, referring to an alleged class prank that got 50 students banned from the school's prom. "I hope you dance, I hope you look back on your youth through wonder. Time is a real and constant motion always, and I hope you dance. Just maybe in the last couple of weeks, if you do decide to dance, do it on your own lawn."

Here is a list of the graduates:

Nicolette C. Alberti, Alexa C. Allan, Ursula M. Amatrudo, Michael A. Angelo, Nicole M. Arnone, Taylor R.

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