By Rene David Basulto - Monsignor Edward Pace HS
Photographer: Eddie Flor
Msgr. Edward Pace High School's class of 2015 throw their caps into the air after their graduation May 22.
MIAMI GARDENS | With their last high school exam finished, Msgr. Edward Pace High School’s class of 2015 began their final week as Spartans with the traditional Baccalaureate Mass, held at Immaculate Conception Church May 17. Father Paul Vuturo, Pace president, celebrated the Mass along with the recently ordained Father Bryan Garcia, a Pace class of 2006 alumnus.
Following the homily, each senior was presented with a baccalaureate medal by Father Vuturo and Pace Principal Ana Garcia. Members of the class of 2015 brought up offertory gifts such a school trophy, an iPad, a football, and a cross to symbolize their time spent at Pace.
As Father Vuturo Paul and Father Bryan processed out, the choir sang the seniors’ class song, “I’ll Be There For You.” Graduates then watched a slideshow with photos from their four years at Pace.
Senior Gabriel Sanchez ended the event by giving the class of 2015’s Farewell Address, thanking the faculty, staff, and parents and reminiscing with his fellow classmates of their years as Spartans.
Photographer: Rene D. Basulto
Father Bryan Garcia, a Msgr. Pace High class of 2006 alumnus, preaches the homily at the Baccalaureate Mass held for Msgr. Pace High's class of 2015. The Mass was celebrated May 17 at Immaculate Conception Church in Hialeah.
The school's 52nd annual graduation ceremony took place May 22 at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium. During her Principal’s Address, Garcia announced that the class of 2015 had earned over $5 million in scholarships, worked a total of 27,511 community service hours, and been accepted to universities such as Duke, University of Florida, Florida State, the Savannah College of Art & Design, Boston College, and the University of Miami.
“Your four years of high school are done, but I hope the lessons you’ve learned stay with you forever,” Garcia told the graduates.
Student Body President Brianna Martinez delivered the senior address by speaking almost entirely in rhyme about their high school journey and how they became a diverse and unified Pace family.
“Where ever our paths shall lead us, may we continue to be the individuals who stand out, because only those who do, change the world,” said Martinez, before concluding her speech the same way she ended every school day over the PA: with a school-wide prayer.
After receiving their degrees and gathering outside, the class of 2015 threw their graduation caps into the air in unison, celebrating the culmination of their high school careers and the endless possibilities that await them in college and beyond.
