On June 2, 2024, Trinity Hall held its eighth graduation ceremony at the OceanFirst Bank Center at Monmouth University. Trinity Hall’s board of trustees, faculty, staff, family and friends gathered to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the 74 graduates in the Class of 2024.
Salutatorian Athena Emnace, who will attend Harvard University next year, started the ceremony with the invocation: “Lord, may your spirit be with us and grant us wisdom, as we strive to incorporate each of the four core values: Perseverance to overcome any presented obstacles, Respect to one another and ourselves, Leadership to become strong women who will accomplish the impossible, and Faith to show our gratitude for granting us with memories and relationships created along the way. By your grace, we hope to carry the emblem of Trinity Hall not only across our chests but in our hearts, sharing our lessons and love within this sisterhood to inspire for a better future.”
Valedictorian Jordyn Talucci, who will attend Duke University next year, shared her valedictory remarks. Jordyn reflected on the Class of 2024’s time together and the impact that each student made on each other, likening their bond to a mosaic: “All of our greatest strengths piece together to form a beautiful work of art—the mosaic that is the Class of 2024. Every person here has impacted one another, has touched the lives of one another. And while we are all going onto our own paths next year, we are not really leaving each other. Because within each of us exists pieces of one another… We are a beautiful mosaic consisting of our collective values, beliefs, and quirks. Our passions and our habits, our favorite words and our favorite movies, our gifts and our memories.”
The Class of 2024 heard from commencement speaker Mary Mahon Sciarrillo, Trinity Hall’s founding head of school. Mary assumed the role of head of school in 2013, leading a brand new, all-girls school in Monmouth County with an eye on longevity and sustainability. Under Mary’s leadership, Trinity Hall enrolled hundreds of girls, became an accredited institution and put down permanent roots in Tinton Falls. Since retiring in 2021, Mary has remained active in independent schools, chairing accreditation teams, serving on board committees and mentoring new heads of all-girls schools.
Mary discussed the journey of the Class of 2024 at Trinity Hall, starting high school during the Covid-19 pandemic. Reflecting on their preparation for their next four years at college, Mary gave them advice on how to continue to use the values that Trinity Hall has instilled in them: “As Mother Teresa said, ‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples. So throw just one pebble, one stone, and watch the ripples it makes in this world.’ So Class of 2024, make some ripples. I know you can. The four core values that Trinity Hall holds are the foundation for your making decisions. You are all leaders. Leaders take responsibility. Leaders take action. Be the change you want to see in the world. Be the changemakers.”
Every year, Trinity Hall’s board of trustees recognizes a member of the community with the Founders Award. The award recipient is an individual or a group whose commitment to the success of Trinity Hall mirrors the dedication of the Founders. This year’s Founders Award recipient is Patrick Donnelly. Patrick Donnelly has been a member of the board of trustees since the school’s opening in 2013. Acting as a board treasurer for many of those years, Patrick has overseen Trinity Hall’s finances through its early years with a move, academic wing addition and expansive growth in students. Patrick is also the proud parent of Christina ‘22 and Amanda ‘25.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! May God continue to bless you!
Watch the full ceremony here: Graduation Livestream