Mother Seton Regional holds commencement and awards ceremony

Clark, NJ: Mother Seton Regional High School held commencement exercises May 26, 2022. Diplomas were presented by Sister Jacquelyn Balasia, Principal. The Class of 2022 has achieved in excess of $13.7 million dollars in academic scholarships and awards. 

Sister Jacquelyn Balasia shared congratulatory remarks with the student body during the graduation ceremony. “Please do not take anything for granted. Always be grateful–spend a few minutes each day in grateful thanksgiving to our God. Appreciate those around you!   What you accomplish in life is not for you alone, but in service to others–that is how you will make a difference in our world. If we believe that we can change the world, God will show us how to do it. Go now and know that you are loved very much by our God and by us and you are always welcome to come home, here to MSR.”  

The Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence during the past four years was awarded to Valedictorian Emily Destito of Linden, and Salutatorian Raquel Pita of Belleville. The Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Exemplary Witness to Christian Values during the past four years was awarded to Devon Moses of West Orange.

Emily Destito shared the following with her classmates “Mother Seton has not only become a school that I love, but also my second home. It has been a safe place that’s allowed me to feel comfortable to express myself and be who I am. The countless memories and innumerable friendships that I have made here show why Mother Seton will forever hold an extra special place in my heart. I know that I will always have this community to return to for whatever I may need as I leave these halls and enter into the world. “Emily will be studying Chemical Engineering at Cornell University in September and Raquel will be majoring in Cybersecurity at the Universality of New Haven. 

Simone Thomas-Rowe of Livingston, Senior Class President, invited the members of the Class of 2022 to join her in turning their tassels as a symbol of their graduation from Mother Seton Regional High School. Simone will be studying film at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles this fall. 

Awards for Academic Excellence in the following areas were awarded to the following:  Yaoguang Huang, of China, Art; Nathalia Abrams of Linden, AP Biology; Emily Destito AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP English, AP Physics and AP US History; Devon Moses AP US History and Physical Education; Adryanna Young of Orange, AP French; Ashley Carranza of Rahway, AP Spanish; Marie Cajoux of Plainfield, Religious Studies; Morgan Miranda of Union, Physical Education.

Special academic awards were presented to Seton Distinguished Scholars: Marie Cajoux, Emily Destito, Adelina Marinello of Colonia, Amelia Moraghan of Clark, and Raquel Pita.

Scholar Athletes awards are as follows: NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association Scholar Athlete, Nathalia Abrams; Greater Middlesex Conference Scholar Athlete, Devan Moses; Greater Middlesex Conference Sportsmanship Award, Olivia Muir of Linden; Seton Hall National Women in Sports Outstanding Athlete Award, Morgan Miranda.