Kearns-Saint Ann School graduates 50th class

Photo courtesy of Christen Freeman

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The Kearns-Saint Ann Class of 2009 is the 50th graduating class since the school began in 1955. When the school opened in 1955, it was kindergarten through fourth grade, and an additional grade was added each year.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Kearns-Saint Ann School eighth grade class of 2009, graduated May 15, as the 50th graduating class since the school began in 1955.

According to the "Salt of the Earth," the work of caring for orphans gradually gave way to the education of day students. In 1953, the Holy Cross Sisters withdrew from this work. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word took over and began a two-year period of transition of the facility from an orphanage. They opened Saint Ann School in 1955, with kindergarten through fourth grade. An additional grade was added each year so that by 1959, eight grades were taught. The 1959-1960 school year saw the first eighth grade class graduate from Saint Ann School.

"This evening we gather not for an ending, but for a new beginning," said Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, pastor of Saint Ann Parish. "That is what each and every Mass celebrates, a new beginning in Christ Jesus. But tonight, we also have a commencement exercise. While there will certainly be tears of joy shed because an era has come to an end for these eighth grade students, and perhaps your family, we must remember that a commencement marks the start of something new. And it is not just going to high school and getting involved in the academics and social scene of secondary school.

"The Gospel reading for tonight was taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount – the Beatitudes. Humility, sorrow, a desire for justice and peace, mercy, single-heartedness, and persecution are all integral to being a member of the Church," said Msgr. Bircumshaw. "I hope that in however many years you eighth graders have been with us at Kearns-Saint Ann, you have learned something of what it means to be a Christian.

"I think you have. Each morning you prayed for special intentions during your morning prayer in the classrooms," said Msgr. Bircumshaw. "You could not have done this in a public school. The meek you learned to respect in class."

Msgr. Birchumshaw said there were several eighth graders who were nominated and recognized for their "Acts of Kindness." Student council members from the eighth grade attended funerals of parishioners and relatives to show support and comfort. The entire student body attended the funeral of Ross Mirabelli.

"This service had a big impact on you when you saw first hand how much love there was for Ron, Rose, their father, and their family," said Msgr. Bircumshaw. "Then there was the outpouring of love that came from all the students when Hser Nay Moo from South Salt Lake was kidnapped and killed. You raised money for the family and wrote notes to comfort her family.

"Two years in a row, you as seventh and eighth graders volunteered your time at the Utah Food Bank sorting food. This year alone you collected over $1,300 for the Food Bank. You also participated in raising money for Coar, the Rice Bowl, and the Invisible Children of Uganda.

"As seventh and eighth grade students, you were responsible for a younger classmate during school Masses," said Msgr. Bircumshaw. "And your gift to the school was a beautiful crucifix."

Msgr. Bircumshaw told the class they worked together on projects and teams. He hopes they understand all the things they did for others was training for their future as members of the Church because they did them in faith, hope, and love.

"Remember that fashions come and go," said Msgr. Bircumshaw. "If you hold fast to modesty in dress and language, people will know that you belong to the kingdom of heaven. There is enough rage in the world. If you keep your cool, and pray before reacting, the whole world is yours to inherit.

"You will see many things that disturb you in life," said Msgr. Bircumshaw. "Do what you can to correct them, or carry them to the Lord in prayer. Don’t ever forget the poor and the disenfranchised. Remember to forgive often, for you will be forgiven as you forgive.

"The values of the world are different than the values of the Church," said Msgr. Bircumshaw. "The world would have you satisfy your personal urges, while the Church reminds us that we live to fulfill God’s desire for us.

"And finally, don’t worry about what people say about you or names they might call you because you choose to follow Jesus. Cling fast to your faith," said Msgr. Bircumshaw. "Remember they persecuted Jesus and the apostles, and most of the saints in the same way.

"Don’t forget that regardless of where you are going to high school, or what you finally decide God is calling you to do in a vocation, your final destination is still heaven. Love one another as God has loved you."

To name a few of the many awards given during the award ceremony, Dexter Holmquist and Jonathan Rainwater were awarded the Presidential Education Award for receiving a B+ or above average in sixth through eighth grade and placed in the 85th percentile or above in math and/or reading on the SAT scores.

Students on the A/B honor roll were Graciela Camarillo, Eric Edmunds, John Filiaga, Kassandra Galindo, Gerald Garcia, James Leary, Grant Nelson, Jonathan Rainwater, and Nguyan Vu.

Dexter Holmquist was on the A Honor Roll and received a scholarship.

Jonathan Rainwater received general excellence for excellence in scholarship, outstanding athletic achievement, and qualities of citizenship.

The Principal’s Award was given to Dexter Holmquist for consistent application and dedication to study, outstanding achievement, Christian living and unselfish giving of time, talent, and energy.