Academy of the Holy Family Class of 2025: (l-r) Ariyana Taliafero, Bitsiat Zeleke, Chanelle Ikirezi, Yamkela Nongauza, and Jacqueline Gould (salutatorian). Not pictured, Akinyi Ligawa (valedictorian) due to a college commitment.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 marked the 150th graduating class from the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic Connecticut. In attendance on the dais were Father Joseph Tito, Rector for St. Mary’s Baltic parish, Bishop Richard Reidy, Bishop for the Norwich Diocese, Henry Fiore Jr., Principal of the Academy of the Holy Family, Sarah (Roberts) Larose, alum class of 2012, as the Commencement speaker, and Sister Mary Rafael, Assistant Principal and Mistress of Ceremonies for the graduation.
Sister Rafael shared the history of the school going back 150 years when the school was first founded by one priest and seven sisters from the Netherlands to educate the children of the mill workers in Baltic, Connecticut. She shared how these Sisters of Charity have carried on this sacred task for generations, in both the primary school at St. Joseph School next door and for the young women here at the Academy. In introducing the various speakers, it became clear that this is an amazing place to gain far more than simply secondary education, but to grow in every way because of the caliber of the staff, faculty and educational support system that these sisters have created here. The experience, schooling, special training and heart for service from all the teachers and staff here at the Academy are infused into the curriculum that not only prepares these girls for college, but for life itself.
This year’s graduating class of six (one in absentia due to a college commitment that began May 24th) were a picture of grace and poise in their white caps and gowns and gold collars. The Academy choir led us in the National Anthem, followed by an inspirational address by Father Tito equating the storms of life with the beginning of hurricane season, and their preparedness for those storms through their time at the Academy for the spiritual, emotional, academic and social growth they experienced during their journey here.
In the Principal’s address, Henry Fiore Jr. spoke of this also being Ascension Thursday, and how, like the disciples, they were being sent off into the world to “make disciples” and “share the Gospel” in their varied paths, relying on their faith, their preparation here and their strong characters of excellence based in the Holy Spirit given during Pentecost. He then called on each one by name to stand and wave “so we could match the names to the faces” while he noted the particular ways that each girl uniquely impacted the school. He followed those remarks with the girls’ individual answers to two questions: what they learned here at the Academy and how the school helped prepare them for college and the next part of their journey. Their answers were so insightful and gave those in attendance a glimpse into these beautiful young women’s hearts of faith, service and compassion.
As commencement speaker, Sarah Larose, a third generation student at the Academy, following her grandmother, mom and older sisters here and graduating in 2012, was very encouraging and gave wonderful advice for using the opportunities gained here at the school to go forward in that excellence, confident in their ability to weather whatever came their way.
Bishop Reidy’s address tied all of those themes together, commending the girls for their commitment, perseverance and accomplishments.
Jacqueline Gould of Colchester, Connecticut, the Salutatorian, gave an amazing speech about her journey in the school, with her additional neurodivergent challenges, and how the school was so supportive and accommodating and helped her be so successful in coming out of her shell, growing in confidence and attaining a level of excellence that isn’t usually anticipated under the circumstances she experiences. The speech was poignant in some spots and funny in others in a delivery that was both powerful and vulnerable at the same time. Her address left no doubt that she is absolutely a confident force to be reckoned with, despite her quiet demeanor.
Akinyi Ligawa’s Valedictorian address, given by recorded video in-absentia due to her college commitment, was a wonderful trip down memory lane, that had us laughing and nodding with agreement in her wisdom and observations of the growth she experienced and her gratitude for her years here. It was dotted with specific memories and deep feeling that touched everyone there. As this is a faith-based school, it was not surprising to hear Akinyi bring up Scripture references. In bringing up some key points reflecting on the life of King David, pointing out that he had both successes and failures. And how we too, can get sidetracked and lose sight of our purpose, taking God’s blessings for granted. The points and pointers she shared with her graduating class were inspirational, practical and so encouraging! One thing that grabbed my attention was: “We start by practicing because practice makes Progress”. I love that! Not perfection, but Progress.
And as the Bishop’s closing remarks wrapped up the 150th Commencement ceremony of the Academy of the Holy Family, we tearfully say fond farewells to our seniors, celebrate with our underclassmen for their promotions and look forward through a glorious summer to next Fall, and the opportunity to share the educational treasures of this school with another generation of young women!
By Tracy Medling