May 20, 2024 By Notre Dame Academy, Photos by Kaitlyn Litchfield Photography
Notre Dame Academy, the first all-girls Catholic day school in Massachusetts, celebrated its 171st Commencement on Friday, May 17, awarding diplomas to the 88 members of the Class of 2024 adding to an impressive legacy of nearly 9000 graduates. Special recognition was given to valedictorian Alice Bussiere of Hanover, who will head to Hamilton College in the fall, and salutatorian Allison Stankard of Quincy, who will attend New York University.
The student address was given by Gabriella Bethoney of Rockland, who will attend Boston University in September. Bethoney was selected by a committee to address the senior class and thanked Notre Dame Academy for encouraging her to pursue excellence and take chances. In her speech, she challenged her classmates to say, “Why not? Why not continue to be a leader, take on an internship, or seek a professor’s guidance? … We all have the tools to be successful and it is up to us to utilize these tools to change the world.”
During Baccalaureate exercises on Thursday evening, Grace Connolly, of Quincy, who will attend Boston College in the fall commended her classmates: “You held the door for your classmates in the morning. You smiled at others in the hallway and said their names when you greeted them. You asked someone without a friend to be your partner, and pulled up a chair so that they easily join your group… We have shown each other that we do not walk alone.”
Notre Dame Academy’s President, Annemarie Lynch Kenneally ’80 P’13 ‘15, spoke of her confidence in a bright future for the Class of 2024.
“I hope you see in yourselves the promise and potential that everyone here tonight sees in you. Thanks to your parents and families, you came to NDA shaped by strong values that have been made stronger still by the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. I hope you let this wisdom guide you as you reflect on the poet Mary Oliver’s beautiful question: ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’.”
Robin McCarthy Pelissier ‘77 delivered the 2024 Commencement address. She has been a long-standing friend of the NDA community and has served on the Board of Directors. Robin is the principal and owner of Robin Pelissier Design, a successful interior design business in Hingham, which recently celebrated its 30th year in business. She advised the class to be open to following their own distinct path, drawing on lessons learned, and friendships forged at NDA.
“The bonds you’ve created at NDA are a testament to the power of sisterhood, support, and understanding. Embrace the teachings of compassion, empathy, and the belief in the promise of positive change. Your NDA education has equipped you with a moral compass and grace that will guide you through life’s challenges.”
Dr. Mary O’Brien Merrigan, Notre Dame Academy’s Principal, shared how proud she is of the senior class, “At Notre Dame Academy our entire community supports and prepares girls for life. I am confident that the Class of 2024 is ready — ready to step forward in their educational journey and to see and be God’s goodness as they make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.”