#LasallianLife
Willow Trees, Graduation, and Reunions
June 02, 2023
Standing tall next to my home is a large willow tree. During major storms you can find my family of six nervously watching the massive tree sway in the wind. Most of the year is spent cleaning up endless fallen branches. Amazingly, despite the storms, despite the unending shedding of limbs, the tree remains standing. The strength of the tree is found within its enormous root system. The roots of the willow tree are notorious for taking hold of anything in the ground – preventing the tree from falling in even the worst conditions. The trunk may sway. The limbs may break. The tree remains standing.
Throughout the upcoming weekend we will celebrate the graduation of the CBA Class of 2023 and the Jubilee Reunion of the CBA Class of 1973. Though they are separated by 50 years, they are connected by these words on their diploma:
In consideration of moral and religious character, and of having completed the prescribed studies in the academic course, :: insert name here:: is hereby awarded this diploma and is therefore declared to have attained creditable proficiency in studies and in the art of rendering knowledge for the purposes of life.
While academic excellence plays an essential role in a CBA education, it encompasses only part of the achievements confirmed by the diploma. Synthesized with a “proficiency in studies,” are the core values that align with one’s ultimate purpose. Much like a willow tree, the Lasallian experience provides a root system that is deep and wide. Together, the roots provide unmatched stability to weather any storm of life. A CBA diploma recognizes that the graduate has demonstrated academic excellence that is grounded by the “root system” of faith, integrity, accountability, diligence, service, perseverance, self-discipline, love, community, and…. GRATITUDE.
Gratitude runs contrary to self-absorption. It shifts the focus away from ourselves and onto the impact that others have had on our lives. Gratitude is not simply a feeling to be had but a lens to view the world. Through that lens, gratitude recognizes God’s presence in our lives within the works, deeds, and sacrifices of friends, family members, or even sometimes - strangers. Gratitude can be found in every moment, even when our tree of life seems to sway.
A few weeks ago, I was inspired by the following note. The note is from one of our senior students, Emilia Colabello, to a member of our Maintenance Staff, Christine Ornoski.
Mrs. Chrissy,
Thank you for positively impacting my timer here at CBA. I remember the first time I met you at Mrs. Toole's desk . You have always been kind to me, and I am eternally grateful.
Saying hello to you in the hallways never fails to lift my spirits .Your smile brightens my day everyday.
You are so generous and loving, and I hope you know just how much you mean to me (and to the whole CBA community). Thank you so much for everything you do!
Fondly, and with everlasting gratitude,
Emilia Colabello
As we celebrate the graduation of the CBA Class of 2023 and the Jubilee Reunion of the CBA Class of 1973, may Emilia’s note inspire us that the core values found on the CBA diploma continue to shape the lives of our students. The “root system” of faith, integrity, accountability, diligence, service, perseverance, self-discipline, love, community, and gratitude truly run deep and wide. God does not promise us what we want in life but he always provides us with what we need in life. There are times of stiff winds, and even lost limbs, yet beneath the surface is a root system that provides a heavenly strength.
Congratulations to Emilia. Congratulations to the CBA Class of 2023. Congratulations to the CBA Class of 1973. Enjoy your weekend filled with friends, family, stories, and celebrations! May your Lasallian roots continue to run deep and wide!
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
