Each year, Blessed Trinity’s graduating 8th grade class selects a faculty member to deliver the commencement address—a beloved tradition that reflects the deep connections formed in our school community.
This year, the Class of 2025 chose Mr. Jeff Boyle, their middle school teacher, to share words of reflection, hope, and inspiration. What he delivered was a heartfelt message that beautifully captured the spirit of this remarkable class and the promise of their future.
Imagine with me, everyone, if you would, the year is 2035. Ten years have passed since you walked across this very altar as a graduate, and the world is talking about the incredible Class of 2025 from Blessed Trinity.
Jacky just won an award for innovative sustainable architecture, designing buildings that heal our planet. Eloise is being interviewed on national television about her breakthrough medical research that’s helping children around the world. Emanuel is a leading chef transforming people through food. Aaron just launched a nonprofit that’s already changed thousands of lives.
The headlines read: “Blessed Trinity: Where Champions Are Made” – and they’re talking about all of you.
Natalia R. is teaching the next generation as an inspiring educator. Amy is running her own tech company, creating apps that connect communities. Judit has just published her first novel, a bestseller that’s being translated into twelve languages. Liam is a cutting edge engineer, building the next series of energy conservation vehicles and trucks, making transportation safer and cleaner. Grace C. is using her voice and energy to start her own law firm, and Andrew is putting the finishing touches on a new park for young people in his city to enjoy.
But how did this all begin?
Let’s go back to 2030. Five years after graduation, you’re each finding your paths. Noah is halfway through his engineering degree, building robots in his dorm room just for fun. Alondra is studying abroad, her infectious laugh making friends across three continents. Scarlet is volunteering at animal shelters while pursuing veterinary science. Jaden has already started his own small modeling business, turning his creativity into something real.
Natalia G. is leading student organizations in college, her natural leadership shining bright. Ely is on the debate team, channeling his Presidential run here at BT, using that quick wit to advocate for important causes. Kate is mentoring younger students, always the one others turn to for encouragement. Brenton is discovering new talents he never knew he had, proving that growth never stops.
Rewind further to 2028. You’re all in high school, but something’s different about this group. America stands up for classmates being bullied – the same courage she showed in 8th grade, now protecting others. Grace B. leads the school’s community service projects, organizing food drives and fundraisers. William tutors struggling students in math, patient and kind just like he’s always been.
Lucero’s artistic eye is creating murals for the school hallways. Cordelia is writing for the school newspaper, her words inspiring her peers to dream bigger.
But where did this foundation really begin?
2025 – today. Right here at Blessed Trinity, within these very walls of which we now sit.
It started with Cordelia who asked thoughtful questions that made everyone think deeper. With Lucero whose quiet creativity brightened every classroom. With William, who helped classmates understand difficult concepts, and always worked hard. And Andrew, whose silent determination to succeed sowed the seeds of future greatness.
It began with Grace B. smiling at everyone and infusing contagious energy into the class, and America standing up for what’s right even when it was hard. With Brenton who brought humor to stressful moments, and Kate who carried the family legacy to its conclusion at BT making everyone proud.
The foundation was built when Ely made everyone laugh during lunch, and Natalia G. included the new student and those who felt left out. When Jaden shared his art and voice with the class, and Scarlet became a BT Tiger in one year while influencing so many of us.
It flourished when Grace C. “Imagined a Dragon” and saved her inn in a starring role. When Alondra brightened everyone’s day with her smile, and Noah patiently explained the math assignment to anyone who needed help. When Liam worked hard and was always kind to others, and Judit shared her stories that showed the depth of her courage in life.
When Amy solved problems with quiet determination, and Natalia R. listened – really listened – and laughed – when others needed to talk. When Aaron got up and gave the most convocation speeches in history, and Emanuel showed that putting yourself out there and doing your best is true bravery. When Jacky showed us that coming in the middle of the year doesn’t change how hard we work and the impact we make on others.
And finally, when Eloise utilized her leadership skills in many various ways throughout the years to enhance class activities and field trips..
Today – right now – sitting in these pews, you are the beginning of that incredible story. You are the seed that grows into the forest. You are the first note that becomes the symphony. You are the single act of kindness that changes the world.
8th graders, the future I just described isn’t just possible – it’s inevitable. Because we’ve seen who you are. We’ve watched you learn, grow, stumble, get back up, and care for each other.
Your story doesn’t start when you leave these doors. It started the day you walked through them. And today, we’re simply celebrating another beautiful chapter in a story that’s already pretty amazing.
Congratulations, 8th graders. The world is ready for you – and we can’t wait to see what you do next. Now go, leave our halls, and become the champions you were meant to be. We love you and thank you.