Senior Farewell Liturgy

Yesterday we had our annual Senior Farewell Liturgy and Assembly.  The liturgy is our chance to pray with the senior class one last time as a school community and for them to receive a candle.  The senior candle is an old tradition here where seniors receive a pillar candle that has been decorated by their friends.  It is the last of the four symbols of our faith that we give to our students.  Freshman year they receive a Bible, sophomore year they receive rosary beads, and junior year they receive a cross to wear around their necks.  The candles, as I told the students, symbolize the light of Christ.  While the candles have pictures and memories on them, we hope they are also a reminder that as they leave Trinity they are to go and be the light of Christ in the world.  As Mr. Mailloux '72 presented the candles to each student he said to them "Receive the light of Christ."

Father John Fortin, OSB, the superintendent of schools, was our celebrant.  Father John is a good friend of Trinity High School having served on our board for many years.  He brought his honorary 2003 diploma that he received from the school and asked the students what they will see and remember when they receive theirs on June 11.  Our former Campus Minister Deacon Andrew Nelson assisted at Mass and Father John asked the community to congratulate him on his impending ordination.  He received a well deserved standing ovation.

Following the Mass, we had the traditional slideshow of the senior class put together with pictures Ms. Kudrick of our math department has taken of them over the past four years.  As the slide show ended, it transitioned into one of Ms. Kudrick herself as she is retiring this year after 40 years of service.  Following the pictures Mrs. Trachicm of our math department presented her with a gift and Mr. Mailloux presented proclamations from the governor, the mayor, and the NHIAA.  He also read a letter of thanks from Bishop Libasci.  Ms. Kudrick said a few words and then was surprised by two of her former soccer players from the 1980 soccer team.  This team was the first ever girls's soccer champions in the state of New Hampshire and the first girl's team at Trinity to ever win a state title.  Deacon Andrew concluded the ceremony with some words and a final prayer.   It was a fitting tribute to a devoted teacher and coach who gave her life to this school community.  She leaves as the longest serving female teacher in Trinity High School's history (although Mrs. Trachim is catching up!).

The Union Leader did a nice article on Ms. Kudrick that you can read here.

Ad multos annos to our seniors and to Ms. Kudrick!