Stang grads urged to 'make a better world'

DARTMOUTH — The message was woven throughout Bishop Stang High School's 56th commencement Sunday: make this world a better place.

Commencement speaker James B. Lanagan Jr., a beloved teacher and athletic coach at Stang, praised the 164-member class as "the nicest group of students I have ever been with for any length of time. My theme here is to get you to be aware of how kind you are."

Lanagan told the Class of 2018 that if they can do all the things that come with being kind, being faithful and loving and showing compassion, "You are going to make an impact on our world."

He then challenged them to apply their personal qualities in the next phase of their lives.

"Are you ready to try and make this a better world? You've gotta take all the things, all the good stuff you have and make a better world."

For the graduates' send-off from Stang, family, friends and other well-wishers packed every corner of the John C. O'Brien gymnasium.

Valedictorian Elizabeth Cardelli told the gathering that attending Stang has been like a roller coaster ride but one that she feels is now "going up."

She said she and her classmates are where they are today because of the support from family, classmates and teachers and their faith in each student's abilities.

"Now is the time to put our faith in ourselves and bring our faith to the world. We are all now on a roller coaster that is only going up."

Pride was very much in evidence at the ceremony.

Anne Domagala smiled when her 18-year-old son, Marc Domagala, was called to the stage to receive his diploma and a handshake from Fall River Diocese Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha.

She said when it comes to her son, she is most proud that "he's a very dedicated person. He was captain of the tennis team. He is going to Stonehill College as a pre-veterinary major. He's very driven and a man of honor."

The graduating class marched in at approximately 2:10 p.m. and received a standing ovation after all the diplomas were handed out at 2:45 p.m.

Other speakers included Salutatorian Amanda Vasconcelos, school president/principal Peter Shaughnessy, Superintendent Stephan A. Perla and Bishop da Cunha. School chaplain, the Rev. Richard Roy, read the invocation.