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Graduates reminded that STA will always be a part of who they are

DOVER — On a bright sunny Sunday, St. Thomas Aquinas High School sent 177 graduates into the world.

Marching to the traditional Pomp and Circumstance, the blue- and white-clad graduates-to-be trooped downhill and through a gauntlet of friends and family into a huge white tent set up on the school's athletic field.

After all entered to the applause of hundreds of friends and relatives, Principal Kevin Collins eloquently welcomed them to the commencement exercises.

Stating his pleasure and privilege to be serving as principal, Collins referred to the "high quality of the St. Thomas faculty, made as superb as they are by you, the students."

Regarding where the students go from here, Collins quoted a Buddhist proverb: "If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep walking."

Michael Fort, introduced by his friend James Pickett as "Mellow Mike," gave the Salutatory Address. The two-sport athlete who was also recipient of the Latin Department Award.

Following the presentation of diplomas, Brian Harrison, class of 1980, spoke. The Senior Members of the St. Thomas Concert Choir then performed their rendition of Don't Stop by Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac.

An emotional moment in the ceremony came as the Lux in Tenebris Award was given to Beata Umugwangwali, a past parent of three St. Thomas graduates: Roger '99, Gloria '02, Doris '08. Briefly recounting the travails of Umugwangwali, Principal Collins described her escape from her native Rwanda during the genocide civil war of 1994.

Taken under the wing of the St. Thomas Aquinas family and former principals, Umugwangwali was able to see her three children go on in life, eventually returning to help in her home country. In a brief speech of thanks, Umugwangwali stated it was "the great support of St. Thomas that caused her to go back to Rwanda to help make a difference. In a private aside, former Principal Quinn stated, "If only we all could be that courageous."

After numerous academic awards, Anna Whitham gave the Valedictory, advising her classmates, "You are who you are, and part of that will always be St. Thomas Aquinas High School."

Dover's Community Services Director Doug Steele, attending for his daughter Abby, said, "Boy did these years go by fast."



The following are the graduating Class of 2011 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. An asterisk after the name indicates National Honor Society membership.