By Toni Jane Pallatto - St. Theresa School (Little Flower)
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Students, teachers and alumni sing the St. Theresa School anthem at the start of the induction luncheon.
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
St. Theresa School's eighth-grade class received these high school survival kits at the alumni induction luncheon.
CORAL GABLES | “Once a Musketeer, always a Musketeer,” Gloria Marti told 88 excited eight graders at the start of St. Theresa School's first alumni induction luncheon.
Marti is the school's vice principal, and herself a Musketeer, a member of its class of 1974.
The students had just finished celebrating their final school Mass, concelebrated by Father Michael Davis, pastor, and Father Phillip Tran, parochial vicar.
“This is the first annual Musketeer luncheon for the students, one which is destined to become a tradition,” said Carmelite Sister Rosalie Nagy, school principal. “This gives our graduating students a sense that St. Theresa is always their home; a place where they will always be a part of our family, and a reason to stay connected.”
The students were treated to a festive environment in Comber Hall, with delicious food suited to their palates, lemonade served in real wine glasses, and centerpieces in school colors for the Class of 2017. Seated with the students at every table was one alumna sharing what it is like to be a part of the Musketeer alumni tradition.
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Liane Morejon, WPLG Channel 10 reporter and a class of 2000 St. Theresa alumna, speaks to eighth-grade students at the alumni induction luncheon.
“Most of my long and lasting friendships were established when I was a student here, and we still get together, supporting each other as Musketeer friends do,” said Marti.
“It’s how we are prepared here,” said Silvia Esposito, class of 1977. “We have such a good balance of spirituality and academic preparation that we can go out and make a positive difference in the world, knowing we are grounded in the Spirit.”
“I think the students at my table were most impressed by the fact that I told them I met my husband at an STS Halloween Dance, held at the 'old church' (now Comber Hall) in 1983, nearly 34 years ago,” said Patricia Bango Diaz, class of 1984, who now has her own law practice in Coral Gables.
After the luncheon, Liane Morejon, WPLG Channel 10 reporter and a member of the class of 2000, gave an inspirational message to the students.
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
St. Theresa School Vice Principal Gloria Marti welcomes eighth-grade students to the alumni induction luncheon as Father Phillip Tran and Vice Principal Nancy Capper look on.
“Know that you will stumble, fall, and sometimes fail in the real world,” said Morejon. “But know because of your faith and the gifts that God has given you, you will get up, and you will succeed.”
She went on to tell the students what it is like to work as a reporter: the daily deadlines, early mornings, late nights, criticism, and, yes, joy that comes with the position.
“When you go to high school, you may have some sense of what you want to do, or then again, you may not,” said Morejon. “But keep trying, take internships, follow what your heart is telling you. You will know when you know. It just happens.”
The students were then inducted into the Musketeer Alumni Association, given their official alumni identification and a "high school survival kit" which included palancas from teachers, friends and family.
“It was fancy and very special,” said newly-minted Musketeer Gabriel Bringas.
“What impressed me most was how Liane Morejon was so comfortable speaking to us,” said his classmate, Carolina Iglesias. “She inspired me as to what to expect when I am in high school, and what work life is for someone successful. And, I felt very grown up with the wine glasses and delicious food.”
Indeed, a new tradition has begun.
