Marc Louis is the Class of 2016’s Valedictorian at SCG- SLT. This honor is based on his grade point average. Marc came to us as a sixth grader from public school. He told us that while he was smart in school, he would get into fights with other students. His parents wanted Marc to excel academically and become a person with a strong moral character. Marc has shown us and his parents that he values the strong Catholic education he received at St. Catherine of Genoa-St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Academy. We are so very proud of him! We hope you enjoy reading his speech.
“Good Afternoon parents, teachers, administrators, priests, board members, family and friends, and of course, graduates of 2016.
Before I begin, I would like to thank our wonderful staff and Sisters for dealing with our unique class. Two years ago I could have never imagined standing before you today. As I stand here before you and see all these faces, they bring out emotions and memories of all sorts. We leave here with a sense of happiness to see how far we have come as a whole, but also with a sense of passion as we end a chapter in our lives. SCG~ STL has given me the opportunity to learn and become better as a whole, and to experience new fields and make friends who have changed my life for the better. Before coming to this school, I had never realized the importance of a Catholic education or even how to be a true follower of Christ. However, now I know. I have experienced the feeling of being able to help younger kids, welcoming new friends, and most importantly, giving back to the community. With the uplifting spirits and support of everyone, I was able to become a better person. This school has been a second home to me, teaching me so many lessons, everything from not forgetting my signs (thanks, Mr. Sickora!) to guiding me on the right path as a Catholic (thank you, Sr. Lynn!).
The memories I’ve made here are unforgettable and will be cherished forever. I was given chances like seeing the Pope, being part of extra-curricular and representing what my school stands for. This school has given me these wonderful experiences, and I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without them. Having that intimate relationship with the teachers, sharing many laughs, viewing the incredible Spring and Christmas shows, attending the trips, and seeing Mr. Sickora attempt to sing not only brought laughter and joy but also a sense of belonging.
Now, as I conclude my speech, I look back and think, this school has given us all such an amazing opportunity and has made us strive to do our best. We came in as children when we first entered those doors, and look at us now, young men and women who will conquer the world. A lot of us here have been here our whole lives, but this school and the people in it have given us the key of success to open the door to the future.
My friends, acquaintances, we have made our mark on this school and we have just begun our journey. So I say to you graduates, Godspeed. We, the class of 2016, are the future of innovation and creativity. We will push boundaries and do both ordinary, as well as great, things with extraordinary love. This is the gift this school has given us, and with that I say thank you.
Lastly, I would like to give thanks to the people who have gotten me this far in my life: my parents, siblings, friends and amazing teachers. It is with much gratitude that I am able to publicly thank you for the immense role you have played in my life.
Congratulations Class of 2016!”
If you’d like to find out more about SCG-STL please visit their website at: https://scgstl.org/
