Schools

St. Linus Valedictorian Tells Graduates to 'Seize the Day'

Sarah Dynia inspires fellow graduates and families with a rousing speech during eighth-grade graduation mass.

Eighth-grade valedictorian Sarah Dynia delivered a stirring speech to fellow classmates and proud families at St. Linus School’s graduation mass on Tuesday night.

Sarah told the Class of 2011 to have faith and confidence in their talents and abilities and to thank God, even though they couldn’t see Him.

“Will you miss St Linus? Of course, all of us will in our own ways...” Sarah said. “Yet it is absolutely vital to remember that the end of grammar school is simply the end of grammar school, and the start of a new phase in our lives.”

Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The eighth-grader has already gained recognition for a project she founded with friend and fellow St. Linus grad Bridget Regan. Both girls received a community service award from the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn for their “Stuffed Love” project.

Sarah and Bridget hand stitched 50 stuffed animals for residents of Bridgeview Health Care Center. They enlisted the help of other students at their school for a second presentation of hand stitched, stuffed hearts that were presented as valentines to Joliet veterans.

Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The St. Linus valedictorian finished by telling her classmates, “Carpe diem – seize the day.”

Sarah will enter Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School next fall as a "Catherine McAuley Honors Scholar." The new program program oversees the academic life of freshmen scholars that is designed to maximize their potential as they prepare for college. Sarah became eligible when she scored in the 99th percentile of the high school's entrance examination.

Meanwhile, proud dad, Mark, tells Patch that he “bawled like a baby” while his very smart daughter delivered her speech.

Good luck to all the St. Linus graduates as they enter high school.

Watch the video of Sarah's speech.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here