Schools

Eastside Catholic Seniors Reminded Sunday During Graduation Ceremony: Be Prepared for Change

Families and friends gathered at Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish to celebrate the graduation of the senior class - which started at its old campus in Bellevue.

To cheers and applause from loved ones in the bleachers, Eastside Catholic School's Class of 2011 watched their mortar boards soar in the air on Sunday.

It was a momentous occasion: They were high school graduates. They started in Bellevue at the old campus of  and ended at the more spacious one in Sammamish with brick-and-glass buildings.

Before the more than 140 young people walked out of the school gymnasium as alumni, they sat for one last reflection about what they learned, as well as what is likely to come next in life.

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Commencement speaker Sam Smith reminded them to "look out over the hill" and be prepared for rapid change.

Smith, president emeritus of Washington State University, also asked the soon-to-be graduates to do one last homework assignment: To ask their parents or grandparents about the change they have seen unfold during their lives.

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One way to start that conversation, he said, was to ask a simple question of what they did when they were students and returned home from class.

"Embrace change," he said. "Remember, the dinosaurs had it good. But they're gone."

The valedictorians and salutorian teamed up to present their thoughts about life and academics at Eastside Catholic.

Among the themes the group discussed: Thanking their teachers for guidance, especially with academic, spiritual and moral growth. "When we were unlovable, they loved us," one of the students said.

Math teacher Danielle Maletta - who the audience was told has long ties to the Sammamish Plateau - gave the faculty address.

She used humor to connect with the audience, especially the students who sat in white chairs before her. "Always wear flip flops in college showers," she said, as the audience chuckled.

"The car you're driving now might be the best car you're ever going to drive," she also quipped to the young people.

Again, the gymnasium filled with laughter.

But she weaved important advice into her address. Go on an adventure, she said. Try different jobs.

"Do what you love," she noted.

Later, she added: "Love your parents because they love you dearly."

Before the ceremony ended, she reminded the Class of 2011 to "let loose, have fun" but stay sober.

She passed on some humorous but wise words that her relative once shared with her: "Jesus could return at any moment and you don't want to be out of it when that happens."

Moments later, mortar boards flew in the air. Parents, relatives and friends snapped pictures. And applause filled the gymnasium at Eastside Catholic School. 


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