CBC Fremantle celebrated the journey of the Class of 2022 with a special evening on Friday.
CBC Fremantle celebrated the journey of the Class of 2022 with a special evening on Friday.The night began with a traditional thanksgiving Mass at St Patrick's Basilica, which has played host to many key spiritual celebrations over the gentlemen's time at the College.
Graduands commenced the Mass by bringing forward symbols of their journey and placing them around the altar, representing the many different ways they will remember their time at CBC.
Addressing tomorrow's gentlemen, Fr John Sebastian encouraged every student to spread what they have learnt during their time at CBC Fremantle with the world, and to continue to develop their relationship with God, through good times and bad.
The graduands gathered on the altar to pray together for their future growth and endeavours.
After a final rendition of the much-loved Edmund Rice Anthem, the Class of 2022, with their families and friends, made the short walk to the College under a setting sun to begin their Graduation Ceremony.
Despite the pressures of exams, apprenticeships and work, Year 12 Music students found the time to rehearse for their final performances at the College. Joined by Mr Shane Mancuso on alto saxophone, the band of CBC brothers entertained the audience with Get Lucky by Daft Punk, highlighting their musical journey under the direction of their ensemble directors and instrument tutors.
In one of the most poignant moments of the evening, graduands Devlin Cronin and Levi Gatti and each shared a symbol of their journey, as they reflected on their time at the College.
Devlin likened his six years at CBC to a tree that develops from a seed to a mature and still developing tree.
"Most students here tonight won't feel like their CBC journey has been some eventful, drastic odyssey with challenge and change at every turn, and I think that is a good thing. CBC has provided us with stability and support, and this has meant that my journey has been a slow burn," Devlin told the audience.
"It has been gradual, quiet and consistent. It has been stable, and it will continue long after I hang up my blazer for the final time."
"Our metamorphosis is undeniable, and it is something to be celebrated and carried with pride throughout our different walks of life. Because the real world is imminent and honestly pretty scary."
Levi chose the symbol of the letter that he had written prior to commencing at CBC in Year 10, reflecting on his development from a boy into a man.
"A chronological timeline from a slack, unambitious boy to kind, respectable, CBC gentleman. And I know this is the case for every year 12 boy here today," he said.
"Our metamorphosis is undeniable, and it is something to be celebrated and carried with pride throughout our different walks of life. Because the real world is imminent and honestly pretty scary.
"But I know, that each of us have the CBC values instilled in our hearts and minds, and will always steer our ships in the right direction, no matter how strong the wind may be," Levi concluded his speech.
The Class of 2022 was then formally presented to the community with each gentleman accepting a graduation folder from Principal, Mr Domenic Burgio, and a blessing from Fr Sebastian, before being congratulated by CBC Alumni Association President, Mr Terry Iannello, and signing the Graduation Book with the assistance of Old Boy Guiseppe D'Alessandro, who is also a member of the College's maintenance team.
Nine young men who left the College prior to graduation to continue their education vocationally were also honoured at the ceremony, crossing the stage to be congratulated and blessed like their peers, and to sign their name alongside generations of past CBC students.
Tomorrow's gentlemen then gathered on stage one final time, as their graduation was celebrated with applause and admiration.
Mr Domenic Burgio then addressed the community, where he spoke of the College's point of difference in educating the gentlemen of tomorrow.
"I shared with you last year that my children, especially the oldest two, have no love for their secondary schools. That is because they never felt love, Mr Burgio said.
"Love is the first quality of a good school and I believe your boys should feel a seamless love from home to school and back again.
"But that isn't my idea, it belongs to He who said 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' If you love one another you will be compassionate, you will show empathy, you will be honest and kind and trustworthy and loyal. If we all love each other we will easily form attitudes and actions based on Gospel Values," he said.
Each gentleman then presented their parents with a letter of thanks, written in reflection of the journey each boy and their family has undertaken with the College.
After plenty of hugs, tears and kisses, College Captain Luke Bowyer delivered the final address of the evening, reflecting on his development at CBC and how the act of redemption allowed him to alter his path towards becoming the man he wished to be.
"I truly believe that if I was at another school I would not be the man I am today, and I'd dare say this is the same for many of you sitting here tonight. CBC chose to give me a chance. A chance to work towards a better future and a chance to become a better man. And then, after all that, a chance to lead.
"It would have been much easier to just kick me out, but I will be forever grateful that CBC didn't choose the easy way. They chose compassion, care and most importantly love – the Edmund Rice Way."
To close the special evening, Douglas MacArthur's 'A Parent's Prayer' was read by Mr Scott McDonnell, before supper was served and the community relaxed and mingled, relishing the achievements of the Class of 2022.
Click here to view the Graduation video, and click here to view the extended gallery.
