Pace High School (Pace) celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2018 with the traditional Baccalaureate Mass held on May 20. Although initially planned to take place at Saint Bonaventure Catholic Church, the persistent rain caused flooding in the area and arrangements were quickly made to hold the mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
The Pace legacy was ever-present, as Reverend Paul Vuturo celebrated the afternoon service along with Father Bryan Garcia, a Class of 2006 Pace alumnus. With much pride, the two were joined by recently ordained priest and Class of 2009 Pace graduate, Father Matthew Gomez. Altar servers for the mass were Father Gomez’s siblings Alex Gomez (Class of 2011) and Mark Gomez (Class of 2013.)
Each senior was presented with a baccalaureate medal by Reverend Vuturo and principal Ana Garcia. Members of the Class of 2018 brought up offertory gifts to the altar such as a Spartan helmet, cheerleading pompoms, a baseball glove and a cross to symbolize their time spent at Pace.
Father Gomez gave a touching testimony to the class about how his journey at Pace prepared him in every way for the road he chose in life. He reminded them that Pace would forever be their home and that as Spartans they would forever have a family in times of joy or in times of trouble.
Senior class president, Grace Li addressed the class and acknowledged the members of the Pace family who offered their constant support throughout the four years of high school. As the celebrants processed out of the church, they took a moment to pose for a picture with the Class of 2018 and Garcia, a Class of 1980 Pace alumnae.
As a closing for the day's events, the class and their families were able to enjoy a photo slideshow showcasing the cherished memories the graduates had created since their freshman year.
The Class of 2018 seniors finished their high school years at Pace’s 55th Annual Commencement Exercise on May 25 at Miami-Dade County Auditorium. Senior Rose Delva gave a light hearted and spirited farewell address to the class, reminiscing about the memories made, the lessons learned and the legacy they will leave among the walls of Monsignor Edward Pace High School for the future generations of Spartans.
In an address by Garcia, she challenged the graduates to carry love, joy, compassion and gratitude along their future journeys. She also recognized the achievements of the class for having received an outstanding $14.6 million in combined academic scholarships.
Finally, after receiving their diplomas, moving their tassels from the right to the left, and processing out of the auditorium, the Class of 2018 celebrated their accomplishments by participating in the traditional toss of their graduation caps into the air, creating one final memory of their time as Spartans.