On Sunday, June 5, 2011, Mount St. Mary Academy graduated its 80th class. The 85 women of the Class of 2011 walked across the auditorium stage in long white gowns and carrying a bouquet of red roses to receive their diplomas from Principal Dawn Hurley Riggie (Class of 1971).

Attendees of the ceremony, who included members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, students and family, were welcomed by Salutatorian, Elizabeth Lorenc and addressed by Valedictorian, Emily Bork.

Commencement speaker, Dr. Mary Patricia Pauly (Class of 1967), a gastroenterologist, a specialist in transplant hepatology and 2007 Alumna of the Year, addressed the graduates. Pauly encouraged them to be persistent, be adaptable and to make a commitment to service. "At Mount St Mary's, we learned first hand that it is not all about "me" and my success," Pauly stated. "We experienced the joy that comes when we shine our light on others so that they too can shine."

As part of the ceremony, the Mount St. Mary Award was bestowed on Sarah Kingston, Student Council President. Kingston was selected by an anonymous election by her peers and faculty. 

The graduating class took the stage for the last time as Mount St. Mary students to sing the Alma Mater, the Bells of St. Mary. Their voices joined with those of all alumnae in attendance.

This year's graduating class earned over $12 million in scholarships from colleges throughout the nation. Thirty three students received Advanced Regents with Honors degrees.

Mount St. Mary Academy's traditional graduation garb, floor-length white dresses, dates back to the school's first graduation ceremony in 1931.The first graduates also received red roses, a tradition which continues to the current day.

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