Record Class Graduates St. Anthony's [Video]

Bro. Gary Cregan ticked off the accomplishments of a record-setting senior class at commencement Saturday morning before a crowd of 4,000.

As if the feats weren’t noteworthy enough, the parochial school’s principal did it with gusto, his voice echoing through the rapt Student Center.

This St. Anthony’s senior class produced:

• An .
• An qualifier.
• Twenty-four seniors .
• An orchestra that toured China. 
• Pipe Band performance at New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

“You are not simply an excellent high school or an extraordinary class, you have in your scholastic DNA a heritage and linkage which tangibly connects you to ancient thinkers, to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and to the Roman Catholic Church,” Cregan said. “These links are far more important than any lesson you may have learned or feat you may have accomplished.” 

Related:  l l

The largest class in school history – 633 strong – blazed its own trail and that spirit permeated commencement, from ripping up his speech to class celebrity making a surprise appearance and offering up a rousing vocal performance to highlight graduation.

The Hofstra-bound Hudson, who and appeared on MSG Varsity’s talent show, showed why this class is so special by belting out “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.”

Caliendo, who is headed to Haverford, told his classmates to not fear failure and to measure success not by fancy cars but by happiness.

“The problem is success and failure are linked to material wealth,” Caliendo said. “The truth is success is not based on the college you attend or the car you drive or the money in your wallet, it’s much more.” 

The Class of 2012 took it all in stride, even the morning shower that greeted them as they emerged from the auditorium to march down Wolf Hill Road and into the Student Center.

It was an impressive sight, nearly as remarkable as this class’ accomplishments.