St. Pat's seniors learn to 'love one another' while graduating
May 23-As St. Patrick-St. Vincent High Class of 2026 valedictorian Jeo Money Cordero Urot gave his speech Saturday morning, he urged his classmates to once again look at a sign above him on the school's campus.
The message from John 3:14 was simple - "Love One Another."
The meaning of the words hit home a little more for 65 seniors on Saturday as the Bruins' Class of 2026 graduated in front of family, friends, teachers and coaches.
"I guarantee you that each and every one of us have probably walked by this sign a million times without giving much thought to the words on display," Urot said. "What does it truly mean to love another? Why is it truly important for it to be displayed?"
Urot went on to give reasons for one to love one another, including following God in every situation whether it's good or bad. He also said that loving and giving credit to one's family for their sacrifices is another avenue to constantly explore.
"To my family, you have sacrificed more than I can imagine in order for me to pursue my passions," Urot said, while briefly pausing to contain his emotions and fight back tears. "You are the foundation of my success. Graduates, look behind you and find your own family. You are looking the face of the people that have sacrificed everything. I applaud you.
"Lastly, thanks to the Class of 2026," Urot continued. "You have taught me what it means to love another ... and I love you guys."
Nora Rodgers, the Head of the School for the last time on Saturday, also praised the Class of 2025. Rodgers will be replaced by Clarence Isodore next fall. Rodgers brought up the Huey Lewis and the News' hit "The Power of Love" in her speech.
"Last week I truly felt the power of love at our dance," Rodgers said. "It was the last dance of the year, the last dance for SPSV seniors and probably my last high school dance ever. I was asked to come to the center of the dance floor and the DJ started to play, 'Last Dance.' Mr. Rodgers and I are not public dancers. A little hestiantly Mr. Rodgers and I started to slow dance. Slowly a circle was made around us. But then when the tempo changed, we all started jumping up and down. It was a beautiful night, the stars were shining and I was at one of my favorite places in the world with some of my favorite people in the world.
"I truly felt the power of love," Rodgers said.
The school also felt the power of higher education in 2025-26. Eleven of the 65 graduates had a grade point average of 3.9 or higher. Fifften of the 65 graduates had a GPA of at least 3.75 and another 10 had a GPA of at least 3.5. According to Master of Ceremonites Tamra Smith, the school had 100 percent of its class graduate.
California Scholarship Federation Life Memberships went out to graduates Jared Anthony Presa Cabaallero, Sergio Philippe Ching, Cloe Nicole Galligan, Angeline Ramiele Corpus Mercado, Matthew Jason Parkhouse, Vincent Edgardo Rodriguez and Urot.
The St. Pat's Class of 2026 will be going to multiple colleges, many from California and others as far as New York, Boston, Arizona, Washington and Hawaii.
Salutorian William Baron-Derrek Laxa thanked his parents and coaches for their countless sacrifices and giving him valuable knowledge and holding him to a higher standard.
"Lastly thanks to the Class of 2026," Laxa said. "Thanks for making the experience exciting and memorable. It's been an honor to be surrounded by such great energy, especially where I can learn and grow in an enviornment where I can learn and grow and determine the life I want."
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