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18 youth graduated from the 8th grade on Wednesday, May 30, at St. Peter Mission School. The tranquil afternoon weather met with a jovial atmosphere as scores of proud parents and students convened to celebrate.

“It was a beautiful and moving ceremony,” said Lt. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, “It really showed the [students’] commitment to Catholic education, to the Community and to God.”

A “Mass of Thanksgiving” in which the advancing class of 2012 played a significant role through singing, scripture readings and prayers accompanied the promotion ceremony. Gov. Gregory Mendoza and Lt. Gov. Lewis were both in attendance.

A week before the promotion ceremony, the Mission held a Rosary Graduation, which was also highly attended. For the Rosary Graduation, the community came together under the roof of the Mission Church to pray the rosary through in honor of and for the future of the advancing class.

“It takes the community to support these kids in their educational aspirations,” said Lt. Gov. Lewis after the 8th grade promotion. He observed that the ceremony was symbolic of, “the community urging them on to be fearless and strive for excellence in education.”

While all in attendance were celebrating the students’ achievements, there were further notes of optimism for what lies ahead of them. “This is a right of passage forthem;they’rebecomingyoungmenand women now,” commented Lt. Gov. Lewis.

The St. Peter School’s Class of 2012’smottois:“WhatweareisGod’s Gift to us. What we become is our gift to God!” Many prayers went out to the Gila River youth that evening, riding on the smiles of a bright, hopeful future.

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