BG Celebrates the Class of 2025 at 59th Commencement

NASHUA, N.H. – Bishop Guertin High School held its 59th Commencement Ceremony honoring the Class of 2025 on Sunday, June 1.

 

For the 185 graduating seniors, the afternoon was a celebration of their remarkable achievements over the past four years. From academic excellence and athletic accomplishments to service projects and personal growth, this year’s graduating class leaves behind a legacy of dedication and community spirit.

 

Surrounded by friends and families inside the Roedel Field House, the graduates bid farewell to their time as BG students and looked ahead to new beginnings as members of the school’s welcoming and far-reaching alumni network.

 

Angela Zheng of Hudson, New Hampshire, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, welcoming friends and families to campus to honor and celebrate the Class of 2025.

 

The honor of serving as this year’s valedictorian was bestowed upon Matthew Roma of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, the son of Jennifer ’97 and John Roma. A standout scholar and leader throughout his time at BG, Roma will attend Georgetown University this fall, where he plans to study environmental studies and mathematics.

 

In his valedictory address, Roma reminded his classmates that there is no single right or wrong way to live. Sometimes, he said, you have to pause and let life take you where you need to go, rather than pushing forward without direction. He encouraged them not to worry about having everything figured out on the cusp of adulthood, but instead to seek out what truly brings them happiness and let that be their guide.

 

Magda Calkowska of Hollis, New Hampshire, daughter of Ewa and Grzegorz Calkowska, was named class salutatorian. In her speech, Calkowska — who plans to continue her studies at the University of New Hampshire — reflected on the journey she and her classmates took to reach graduation day. She spoke about the transition from middle school and the academic and social challenges of high school, and how those experiences — along with the friendships she formed — helped her grow and mature over the past four years.

 

Principal Jason Strniste, in his closing remarks, echoed Roma’s sentiment and urged the graduates “to have faith in believing that your life has purpose and meaning — a faith that leads you to engage fully, to push yourself, and to live for others.” His address tied into the year’s theme, The Road Less Traveled, encouraging graduates to choose the more challenging path over the easier one in order to discover their true purpose.

 

As the ceremony concluded, caps flew into the air and the Bishop Guertin Class of 2025 officially became alumni, ready to begin the process of leaving their mark on the world, grounded in faith, service, and tradition they learned during their four years on Lund Road.

 

Departmental and class awards were also presented to members of the Class of 2025:

 

Theological Studies	Heather Skinner
English	Olivia Zimmerman
Mathematics	Emily Breault
Physical Science	Noah Guarrera
Life Science	Natalie Haight
Social Studies	Matthew Roma
French	Noelle Lazzari
Spanish	Jennifer Davey
Latin	Claudia Guidry
Art	Anna Fondakowski
Music	Parker Wilson
Computer Science	Emmerson Danish
Health and Fitness	Jessica LaCroix

 

 

Class Awards

 

The Thomas Sullivan Memorial Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented to two seniors who are the commendable and enviable combination of outstanding scholars and fine athletes. The Scholar-Athlete Awards are given in memory of Thomas Sullivan. Mr. Ryan Brown, Director of Athletics, presented this year’s Thomas Sullivan Scholar-Athlete Awards to Matt Giardina and Anna Fondakowski. Giardina was also named the recipient of the Stephen Boland ’86 Cross Country Memorial Scholarship named in honor of a former BG student and stand-out runner. 

 

​​The Cornerstone Award honors a student who is foundational to the school, its clubs and activities, who represents the values of the school both in word and in deed. It is awarded to a student who is not necessarily a captain or MVP of a team, president of a club, or honored by any other existing award. During the awarding process, it is sometimes easy for a student to be overlooked and not noticed, especially one who prefers to work quietly in the background. This type of leadership is subtle, but very effective. The person we honor with this award is present and has always participated in clubs and activities — a respected member of the senior class. Character and a sense of values are beyond question; this person is a cornerstone for the school and the community. The award is determined after consultation with the faculty and staff, club moderators and coaches. This year’s recipient was Devyn Reny.

 

The Larry Elliott Loyalty Award is given annually in loving memory of Larry Elliott, a friend and benefactor of the school and is presented to a senior whose dedication and loyalty to Bishop Guertin cannot be adequately expressed in words. The senior is chosen by the faculty and staff and exemplifies dedication and loyalty through both curricular and co-curricular activities and is also presented a scholarship as part of the award. The winner of the 2025 Larry Elliott Award was given to Emily Breault.

 

The All-Guertin Award is presented in memory of Joseph P. Lebrecque. This is the most prestigious award offered to a senior and is presented to a student who enjoys the respect of the entire school community. Selected by the faculty and staff, this senior is an outstanding student who is dedicated to learning, has participated in interscholastic activities, and has given service to the school and community. Presented with this award is the Stephen J. Boland ’86 Memorial Scholarship, granted in his memory. BG is proud to announce the recipient of this year’s All-Guertin Award was given to Lara Finnegan.

The faculty and staff of Bishop Guertin High School wish the Class of 2025 the best in all their future endeavors.