Page 12 - Priorities #44 2009-July

Below left L-R: Erin Kinstler and Ms. Ellen Payne Above right: Kelsey Horton Right L-R: Shajee Rizvi, Kyle Berka, and Chase Rapp
Above Left: Alyssa Thunen festooned with a lei. Above right: Blake Weber Right: Angela Nakahara is all smiles! Bottom: Christian Opperman
his close relationship with his brother and how being at the Priory helped him get through some lonely years. He learned the importance of believ- ing in oneself and said he “has yet to find someone in his class who is afraid to be himself or herself.”
In his commencement address, Stanford Presi- dent John Hennessy spoke to the graduates of the meaning of commencement: to begin or initiate. President Hennessey stressed that the students are about to begin their next stage of life and advised the graduates to take important actions during college that would make an impact on their ex- perience. He also encouraged graduates to get to know some faculty at college; learn together with fellow students; pay attention to what students unlike yourself can teach you; and remember that the primary purpose of college is “to prepare you to live a thoughtful, productive and full life.” He emphasized not to confuse education with training. President Hennessy asked Priory graduates to take intellectual risks and explore a variety of courses
in order for each graduate to find his or her own passion in life. Speaking from experience, President Hennessy recounted his early days with his profes- sors and advised the students to take initiative and seek out opportunities in life. He urged the gradu- ates to embrace spontanaity, academic rigor, and to expand their horizons through the arts
After the announcement of significant school awards, Father Martin Mager ended with the Bene- diction, asking God to “bless our graduates and to keep them in the palm of your hand.”
Class of 2009 Awards:
Valedictorian: Marika Anne Bannick
Salutatorian: Christopher Patrick Harlem
Rev. Benignus Barat, O.S.B. Citizenship Award:
Yao-Chia ‘Jimmy’ Chang
Head of School’s Award: Servando Barriga and Claire Chien Watson
Academic Dean’s Award: Sarah Elizabeth Montgomery
Dean of Student’s Award: Christian Conrad Montalvo
Saint Benedict Award: Zuhayr Arif Mallam
The graduation pictures from our photographer,
Jim Kirkland, are now available to purchase online at: www.copperline.smugmug.com
Just click on “WPS Grads - Diplomas” or “WPS Grads - Candids” select your photos to view and purchase. It’s that easy! Photos will stay online until Sept. 1st, 2009. Any questions about the photos can be directed to: Jim Kirkland at (650) 364-6844 or ennis@copperline.com
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