The Mount St. Mary Academy Class of 2022 received their diplomas and officially graduated from high school during this year’s Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 24, at Robinson Center in downtown Little Rock. Per tradition, the young women wore white gowns and long gloves, and carried a single red rose, as they processed in through an audience of family members and friends and onto the stage.
The 108 graduates, admitted to nearly 100 colleges and universities, collectively received over $13 million in scholarship offerings and will be attending 37 different institutions of higher education across 15 states this fall. Additionally, this year’s graduating class completed 8,823 hours of community service for the greater Little Rock community during its junior and senior years, proving that “living Mercy” remained a priority even through the challenges of a global pandemic.
Donna Chachere ’83, business systems developer at UAMS and adjunct professor at UA Little Rock, delivered the commencement address. After praising their perseverance through the challenges of the past few years, Ms. Chachere encouraged the graduates to “spread a little of your Mount St. Mary experience to your new communities” by continuing to serve those in need and continuing to always show Mercy – to others and to themselves. She also reminded the young women to trust God’s direction for their lives. “I know most of you have a plan for the future. As Mount Girls, we are prepared. But be accepting of God’s plan also,” she said. “Sometimes what we may perceive as a failed plan is really God leading us to a better conclusion.”
Ms. Chachere was introduced by Third Honor Graduate Lucy Nimmo. Fourth Honor Graduate Savanna Hindman offered the invocation, and Second Honor Graduate Sydney England presented the class essay. The valedictory addresses were given by First Honor Graduates Millie Allgood and Eleanor Lewis.
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor presented the diplomas as MSM President Pattie Davis and MSM Principal Sara Jones announced each graduate, her honors, and the college she will attend. The three were joined on stage by Theresa Goshen Hall ’78, Arkansas Catholic Schools superintendent, and Susie Whitacre, MSM Academy Board of Directors chair. The evening concluded with graduates singing the alma mater together one final time as a class.
View photos from this year’s Commencement Ceremony at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzSkfS.
Congratulations, Class of 2022! We celebrate you and look forward to seeing all you continue to accomplish as women of wisdom, compassion and integrity.
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.