Notre Dame graduates 133

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ND Fairfield High School Graduation

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FAIRFIELD -- Notre Dame Catholic High School sent 133 graduates out into the world Saturday as more than 600 friends and family watched.

The Rev. Peter Cipriani gave the invocation for the ceremony in Sister Marion Rielly Memorial Auditorium and told the crowd the class of 2009 was special in its selflessness and dedication to the larger community. Later in the ceremony, the senior demonstrated its appreciation for service giving a standing ovation to Stephen and Mary Ann Nemergut, when Diocese Bishop William E. Lori recognized the two veteran faculty members for a combined 86 years of service to the school. No students spoke at the graduation.

"We are so proud of this class," Lori said, echoing the sentiments previous

parents, grandparents and families in the stands.

Hai Hoang was the class valedictorian and Alexander Almeida the salutatorian. The first person granted a diploma was Student Class President Andrew Miller and the last was Andrew Shillinglaw.

"As graduates of a Catholic high school, you are second to none," said Margaret Dames, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Notre Dame Principal Rev. Bill Sangiovanni announced the graduates had won more than $8.6 million in scholarships and grants to attend colleges and universities across the country. Twenty four students earned a place in the National Honor Society.