The valedictorian of Marian Catholic High School’s Class of 2023 encouraged fellow graduates to observe four key concepts that she said she learned at the Rush Township school.

“Never be over- or under-confident, be consistent, always have each other’s back, and live everyday like it’s the last,” Angela Pan said during Friday’s commencement exercises.

Because confidence is often the first quality a person notices, Angela asked her class to find a happy medium.

“Being underconfident shows people that you don’t have faith in yourself. Overconfidence gives off a sense of arrogance. We want to radiate the perfect amount of confidence,” she said.

The second concept - consistency - breeds success.

“We all have our days when we feel unproductive but doing a little bit is always better than doing nothing,” Angela said.

In her senior year, she said she realized that despite their differences, the class of 51 always had each other’s back.

“We never let anyone tear us down and will always stand by each other. We never tolerate anyone making us feel small and worthless because only we can make fun of each other,” she said, noting that she’ll be at her classmates’ sides in the future.

Finally, she encouraged graduates to live everyday like it is the last. She remembered classmate Lisa Napoletano, who died in 2020.

“Her passing has taught me to cherish every moment because we never know when we can lose someone,” Angela said.

She closed by offering congratulations.

“Remember where you came from and cherish all the bonds that you have made throughout these four years. It doesn’t matter if you are 30 minutes away or 7 hours, always remember the family you have here at Marian,” she said.

Angela’s brother and class salutatorian Addison Pan, asked graduates to remember their roots.

“Both at home and at school, we have had a family to support us. Whether it be our direct relations or our Marian family, they have always supported us,” Addison said.

With that extended family, he encouraged classmates to remember that they are not alone through good and bad times.

“Grow as a person but not into another person,” Addison said. “Grab your destiny and reach for your dreams but remember your roots and who you are.”

Michael Brennan, head of school; Peer J. Sanfilippo IV, dean of students and Jean Susko, director of studies, conferred diplomas.

Brennan also offered remarks, calling the class “persistent,” “frustrating,” “loyal” and “unique.”

“If you didn’t know each of them individually, you wouldn’t know that some of them never have a class together because they all seemingly get along. From the Baseball Boys to the Diamond Dogs, the Performing Arts Leads to the Track and Volleyball Girls, this class would uniquely form bonds with each other in even more ways imagined,” he said.

The Rev. Robert George gave the invocation and benediction, and prayed, “May each of them strive to bloom to their fullest potential.”

Officers for the Class of 2023 include Frank Valente, president; Matthew Martin, vice president, and Kerrigan Digris, secretary/treasurer.