Matters MARIAN - Marian Catholic High School

Class of 2011
Marian Catholic High School celebrated its Fiftieth Annual Commencement ceremony on
Monday, May 23, at the Tinley Park Holiday Inn and Convention Center with thousands
of invited family members and guests in attendance. As the familiar sound of “Pomp and
Circumstance” echoed from the MCHS Symphonic Band, 343 seniors filed in two by two, led
by class moderators Jennifer Clifford ’88 and Barbara Murzyn.
Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P., MCHS
Principal, presented the opening remarks.
Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P., Principal,
addresses the capacity crowd at graduation.
“I suspect that the significance of your
diploma lies below the surface of that piece of
parchment and is written between the lines of its
documentation. The significance of this diploma
is that it writes on your heart and imbeds in
your memories, all the people, experiences and
accomplishments that shaped your high school
experience -- the teachers who challenged you,
frustrated you and became your mentors. The
classmates who shared courses and lunch tables,
the teammates who saw you at your best and
worst, fellow artists, cast members and section
members who joined you in creative productions.
Friends who celebrated your triumphs and gave
you support through discouragements.”
She continued, “A Marian Catholic diploma
testifies that you have been steeped in the
Dominican charism and have learned the value
Class moderators Jennifer Clifford ’88 and
Barbara Murzyn lead the Class of 2011 into the
Marian Catholic Commencement Ceremony.
of prayer, study, community and preaching that is best proclaimed in service to others. You’ve
learned that study goes deeper than outward appearances. You’ve been trained in leadership that
demands integrity and courage to speak the truth amidst adverse situations. This diploma signifies
the deep sense of community that is Marian Catholic. A community that finds its source and
substance in Jesus -- the One who shows us the way, and the One who promises to walk with you
each moment of every day.”
Valedictorian Megan Murday (Georgetown University) addressed her
classmates and those present at the ceremony.
“One of the hallmarks of a Marian education is learning not only for
the sake of being able to whip out facts on command, but studying
in order to achieve a glimmer of the magnitude of God’s love and
our responsibility to leave a legacy of that love for other people and
future generations. Our dedicated teachers have inspired us to hold a
respect for the world we live in and where we have come from, while
optimistically looking forward to a better and more peaceful world
that we can create. An education in and of itself is important, but our
teachers have reinforced the notion that how we use the information
is unquestionably more important. During our time in class, they have
instilled within us a drive for truth, not obscured by bias or deceit.
As we move forward in a world full of gimmicks and complexity, the
faculty and staff have given us the skills to succeed and the faith that
God is always by our side.
Class of 2011 Valedictorian Megan Murday reminded her classmates of
all they had achieved to reach this point in their lives.
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