Northwest Catholic Bids Farewell to the Class of 2013

Northwest Catholic’s Class of 2013 graduated on Wed., June 5, in a beautiful ceremony punctuated with laughter (and a few tears) inside the majestic Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. Bishop Peter Rosazza of the Archdiocese of Hartford presided over the school's 49th commencement.

Renowned environmental attorney Elizabeth Collins Barton ’70 delivered the inspirational Commencement address, and Sarah Gillespie ’13 of Manchester and Emily Kearney ’13 of Simsbury gave the valedictory and salutatory addresses, respectively.

The Class of ’13 had 169 students, including 23 whose parents were also Northwest Catholic alums, and they came from 30 towns. West Hartford is home to the largest number of graduates (44), followed by Bloomfield (19) and Windsor (18).

A total of 83 students graduated with honors or highest honors. The vast majority of the graduating class – 99% – is college bound, headed to schools like Harvard University, the University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University, Cornell University, Boston College, and the University of Connecticut, to name just a few.

The class included six National Merit Finalists; one Scholar in the National Hispanic Recognition program; seven other students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; three students who were named "Summa Scholars" by the Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford; nine Division I athletes; one Ivy League athlete; five NESCAC athletes; and 12 students who plan to play Division II or III sports in college.

“We are very proud of the Class of 2013,” said Principal Margaret Williamson. “They have grown and matured and provided great life to the school over their four years. We wish them the best in the future endeavors, even though they will always belong at Northwest Catholic.”

For a complete list of colleges and graduates, or for more information about Northwest Catholic High School, visit www.northwestcatholic.org.