Congratulations, Maria Murphy, Graduate of St. Michael’s Parish School!

Congratulations, Maria Murphy, Graduate of St. Michael’s Parish School!

Congratulations, Maria Murphy, Graduate of St. Michael’s Parish School!

I attended my niece, Maria Murphy's, graduation from 8th grade at St. Michael's Parish School on Wednesday, May 28th. There were 33 graduates. When St. Michael's graduates receive their diploma, they choose an alumni of St. Michael's, usually a family member or friend, pin them with an Alumni pin. Since her brother, Vincent Murphy, graduated last year from St. Michael's, he was the alumni performing the pinning for Maria. Seeing Vincent put the Alumni pin on his little sister was pretty special. As anyone who has the pleasure of having a brother or a sister or brothers and sisters knows, there are always the occasional arguments between siblings. Seeing them in this situation was quite unique and brought a tear to my eye. They both are growing up so fast and it seems like yesterday when they transferred to St. Michael's in first and second grade. Graduations are bittersweet, as you want the graduates to grow up and be wonderful, loving, caring adults who provide for their families and others, but you also want them to stay sweet and innocent. Maria was a born prematurely, weighing only 3 lbs, 4 ounces at birth, so to see her graduate is quite awesome. She will be 14 years old on June 2. Maria has grown into a wonderful, loving and caring young lady. I know she really cares for everyone around her. For example, she composed a beautiful prayer for an assignment at St. Michael's in 2011. In that prayer, she reminds herself to pray, serve and help those around her. This prayer will give you an idea how caring Maria was in the 5th Grade at just 11 years old! I am confident that her future is very bright. Screen Shot 2014-05-30 at 9.29.01 AM.pngMaria's cousin and my great niece, Karli Yocum, who is 6, also graduated this year on May 23rd from St. Michael's Kindergarten class. So, on to First Grade Karli will venture and, in another 8 years, there will be another 8th Grade Graduation. New beginnings make the world go round. As I stated last year after Vincent's graduation, I will also pray that Maria makes the right choices and develops into the best person she can in whatever she chooses. Good luck Maria! I know that you will make us all proud. Congratulations to all of the 2014 St. Michael's Parish School graduates and Good Luck Maria Murphy on the next chapter in your life at Wheeling Central Catholic High School. I will be there if you need anything.