Notre Dame's Graduating Class of 2025

The Notre Dame community gathered on Sunday, June 1, to celebrate the 65th Annual Commencement Ceremony for the Notre Dame Class of 2025 at the CURE Arena. The event was attended by family, friends, administration, faculty, and staff, along with Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, the Superintendent for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Trenton, Bonnie Milecki, Assistant Superintendent, School Development and Operations, and John Tattory, Notre Dame Board of Governors Chairman.

On Saturday evening, a Baccalaureate Mass was held in the Notre Dame Auditorium, celebrated by our Chaplain Fr. Colavito, and assisted by Deacon Rich Hobson.

The Class of 2025, a testament to the collective effort of the Notre Dame High School community, has exemplified dedication and commitment to the Mercy Core Values, education, and resilience, resulting in exceptional academic, artistic, service, and athletic achievements. Their success, a reflection of the unwavering support of their teachers, families, and the wider school community, is a shared victory we all celebrate.

This year's graduating class achieved remarkable academic success, garnering more than $38 million in scholarships. These significant awards will support their matriculation at highly selective institutions, including Ivy League universities such as Princeton and Columbia, internationally recognized universities in Rome, and even the United States Air Force. Furthermore, 31 student-athletes from the class are poised to continue their athletic endeavors at the collegiate level. Demonstrating a profound commitment to the Notre Dame Mercy Core Value of Service, the class collectively contributed 26,289 hours of community service during their four years of high school.

Special recognition was given to Valedictorian Michael Anthony Busa and Salutatorian Meghan Anne Connolly for their exceptional academic achievements and leadership. The pair shared words of wisdom about life and their time at Notre Dame.

Additionally, special awards were presented to students at the graduation ceremony, including the Award for Excellence in Religion—Ellie Marrone, the Principal’s Award—Riley Carr, and the Irish Spirit Award—Carter Hillsdon, all recognizing students' outstanding contributions to the school community.

Above all, the Class of 2025 has demonstrated exceptional character and values, embodying kindness, empathy, and a genuine commitment to positively impacting the world around them. As they transition to the next phase of their lives, we urge everyone to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 for their remarkable achievements and best wishes for their future endeavors!