Mount St. Dominic Academy graduates 60 in the Class of 2024

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CALDWELL - The Mount St. Dominic Academy Athletic Center was packed on Sunday, June 2, as 60 young women graduated in front of family and friends.

The Class of 2024 Salutatorian Adrianna Cacciacarne of Randolph Township opened the ceremony with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the journey, knowledge, friendships and memories formed over the past four years. She prayed for guidance in future endeavors and emphasized the importance of Dominican values learned at the academy.

She acknowledged the significant influence of family, teachers and mentors, thanking them for their support and inspiration. Cacciacarne, who will attend Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., this fall, encouraged the graduates to pursue excellence, carry their dedication forward and be positive forces in the world.

The prayer concluded with a blessing for bright futures and a call for God's continued guidance and light.

Vincia Jackson, a member of the Class of 2010, was this year's commencement speaker.

Reflecting on her experiences at the school, she shared how they have profoundly shaped her life. Her message to the graduates was clear and powerful: "Keep the main thing the main thing," a personal mantra encouraging focus and grounding in what truly matters - your goals and dreams.

She urged the graduates to be the one voice that asks the questions everyone else is too afraid to voice, to embrace uncertainty, and to stand firm in advocating for respect.

She emphasized the importance of intentionally seeking out diverse perspectives and embracing the beauty of diversity while cherishing the bonds with those who share their background. She urged them to create their own opportunities, reminding them that success is personal and unique to each individual.

"Don't compare yourself to others. Engineer the life you desire and remember who you are. The future is truly yours," she said.

Jackson's impressive career has included roles with The Clorox Company, Hormel Foods, General Mills, PepsiCo and Sonoco Products. She is currently a senior operations manager with Amazon.

Her journey began with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, complemented by minors in environmental policy and studies and business at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. Alongside her academic pursuits, she excelled as a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 runner.

Class of 2024 Valedictorian Erin Arenata of West Orange then delivered her speech, emphasizing the importance of memories and connections made throughout her high school journey.

She shared how sentimental keepsakes in a senior year memories box she created symbolized cherished moments and relationships, particularly with the "little sister" she was assigned as a junior. She reflected on the growth and resilience of the class, highlighting shared experiences from volleyball games to musical performances and retreats.

Concluding with gratitude and pride, Arenata, who is planning to study international affairs at Seton Hall University in South Orange, celebrated the bonds formed and expressed excitement for the future impacts her classmates will make as alumnae.