While only nine students graduated from Trinity High School Friday night at the St. Mary of the Woods Horn Community Center, Principal Emily Hernandez ensured the crowd that they made a sizable impact on the school community.
“This is our smallest graduating class,” she said. “They are a class of nine students, but they are a strong and capable class. They will do great things with Christ leading their decision-making.”
Hernandez’s message to the graduates was centered around their theme for the year, Grit and Grace.
“We chose the theme Grit and Grace this year . . . we knew we needed God’s gift of grace,” she said. “We survived and it really ended up being a wonderful year mainly because of you students who worked with us and not against us through it all. You will also need grit and grace through the trials and tribulations of life and I am confident that you will handle tough situations that come your way.”
During the processional, each graduate placed a yellow rose on a chair in memory of classmate Jake Coomes who died in 2017. Student council president Clayton Rhodes also referenced Coomes during his speech to his classmates.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our classmate who is not here with us tonight . . . he is very much a part of the class of 2021,” he said. “We miss you Jake and will always treasure our friendship and good memories.”
With some restrictions still in place, the administration and students alike were thankful to return a sense of normalcy to the celebration. Rhodes was adamant about highlighting the many positives that arose as part of the pandemic.
“As things almost came to a complete halt, it was then that I really got see life happening,” he said. “I saw our families spending more time together. I have found that when we slow down and stop to observe our surroundings, we are often provided with new perspectives on situations.”
It’s tradition for the graduating students to select the speaker for their ceremony. This year, they selected Madison Brasher-Evans, who just finished her first year teaching at the high school.
“When I accepted my job at Trinity High School, I was terrified – this was a new journey for me,” she said. “The nine seniors that are sitting in front of me were the first class I had on my first day. I’ve had the immense pleasure of getting to see each one of them every single day for the past year. I mean it when I say I don’t think I could have asked for a better group to begin my career with.”
Prior to receiving their diplomas, students also paid tribute to their parents and honored Jenna McDowell with the 2021 Trinity High School Christian Witness Award. The award is unique among all awards because its “primary emphasis is on living out the gospel of Christ,” Hernandez said.
Father Brian Roby, pastor at St. Mary of the Woods Church, addressed the graduates. He called on the young people to be “courageous missionaries,” witnessing everywhere to the Gospel with their own lives.
“Graduation time is a reminder that Jesus calls us to be part of something truly great — the Kingdom of God — and that each of you, in your own way, has something to offer to help make that happen,” he said. “I hope you will always be mindful that because of your Catholic formation, you bring a vision of life and purpose rooted in the Gospel, enlightened by your faith, and capable of making this world a better place.”
Roby also paid tribute to the many dedicated benefactors, supporters, administrators, faculty, and staff that allow Trinity to thrive. He also expressed his thanksgiving to the parishes of St. William and St. Lawrence of Knottsville, and St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville for their continued spiritual and financial support.
“Stay close to God because there is no life outside of Him,” Roby said. “Always practice your faith in the life of the Church. Be good and loyal to your parish and alma mater as you now pay it forward.”
