A letter to the class of 2023
As we gather tomorrow to celebrate your accomplishments, we want to take a moment to share some words of inspiration and encouragement as you embark on this new chapter of your life. The journey you have completed thus far has been filled with challenges, growth, and countless memories. Today, we stand together as witnesses to your resilience and determination. You have reached a significant milestone, and we congratulate you wholeheartedly!
Graduation is a time of transition—a bridge that connects the person you were with the person you are becoming. It is a moment to reflect upon your achievements, struggles, and the lessons you have learned along the way. Remember, success is not defined by the destination alone but by the experiences, friendships, and personal growth you have acquired throughout your academic journey.
As you stand on the precipice of a new beginning, it is natural to feel excitement, anticipation, and perhaps even a touch of apprehension. Embrace these emotions, for they are a testament to your eagerness to embrace the unknown and seek new opportunities. Life will undoubtedly present you with unexpected twists and turns, but within these challenges, you will discover your true strength.
We encourage you to stay curious, which fuels learning, innovation, and personal development. Be open to new perspectives, diverse cultures, and unconventional ideas. Approach each day as a chance to expand your knowledge and explore uncharted territories. Remember that education does not end with your graduation ceremony—it is a lifelong pursuit that continues to shape who you are and who you will become.
While it is essential to dream big and set ambitious goals, do not lose sight of the present moment. Celebrate the small victories, relish in the connections you have made, and cherish the memories you have created. Life moves swiftly, and it is the simple moments that often hold the most profound significance.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Reach out to your peers, mentors, and support network whenever you need guidance or a listening ear. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you. Collaboration and connection will be the catalysts for your personal and professional growth.
Take risks, dare to fail, and learn from your mistakes. The path to success is rarely linear, but in the face of adversity, your character is molded, and your true potential shines through. Be resilient, for setbacks are not failures but stepping stones toward a stronger, wiser you.
Finally, as you embark on your future endeavors, always remember the power you possess to make a difference in the world. Whether in your chosen field, community, or global scale, your unique talents and passions can shape a better tomorrow. Seize the opportunity to be a force for positive change, and never underestimate the impact you can have.
Today, we bid you farewell with pride and anticipation. You are ready to soar and make your mark upon the world. Trust your abilities, believe in your dreams, and embrace the beautiful journey ahead.
Congratulations, Class of 2023! The world eagerly awaits the incredible things you will achieve.
Blessings and heartfelt wishes,
ACHS Staff
Your senior class memories...
Seniors were asked to share their favorite photos from their years at Austin Catholic High School and this is the results. The smiles, the laughes, the memories.
A Graduation prayer
“God, today is like any other. The sun rises. The winds blow. Rain falls. Rain does not fall. People are born. They laugh. They cry. They dance. They die. Today “chronos” time is as it has been since You gave it beginning, and will be as it is until you bring things to an end. Today is like any other.
Today is also fresh and new, and like no other day. Today is a “kairos” moment of opportunity that has come and will pass in a moment. Today is a passage from one epoch to another. Today is a gift from you. Grant grace to see it and seize it.
Today is a graduation, a passage, a completion, an inauguration. Today we pray for all those who have met the challenge and kept the faith to the commitments of their studies. Now they have a new “kairos” before them. We first offer thanks for the success of their journey. We thank for you granting them focus and direction and then strength and endurance. You created the knowledge and understanding they have mastered. You have created the curiosity and capacity for determination that led them in pursuit. All these good things came from you. Thank you.
Today we also pray for tomorrow. This graduation opens another door to another time. As you have led in the past, lead now into the future. Give them focus and clarity and a calling from you to understand their purpose and the courage to respond and step toward that purpose.
We pray in the words of scripture: ‘Bless them indeed. Expand their territory. Let your hand be with them. Keep them evil, that they will not cause or experience pain.’
Today, we bless our graduates”
– Mark Herringshaw