Gratitude and Hope
Dear Hill-Murray Community,
As we reach the final days of another remarkable academic school year, I want to take a moment to reflect with deep gratitude on a few of the rituals and celebrations that make Hill-Murray such a special place.
Last week, we celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 with a beautiful Mass and commencement ceremony at the Cathedral. Father John, our Hill-Murray Chaplain, offered a message of hope and joy in his homily, encouraging the graduates to never forget that God’s love is never-ending. As I watched each one approach the altar to receive their diploma, I saw potential, pride, and hope in their eyes. It was a moving reminder of what makes our school so special: young men and women, formed in faith and character, ready to go into the world with courage, compassion, and purpose. I am incredibly proud of our graduates and excited to see what God has in store for them. The smiles on their faces tell the story.
Last night, we hosted our Distinguished Alumni & Community Awards banquet, an incredible evening of reconnection, storytelling, and inspiration. It was an honor to recognize several alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to their professions and communities, all while living out the values they cultivated here at Hill-Murray. Judy Hajlo Schwartz ‘79, our Director of Alumni, always makes the evening so special. Amongst our honorees, Archbishop Murray Memorial 1964 graduate Sandy Blockey Leblanc accepted the Ron Ryan, Jr ‘85 Award for Community Leadership for her late husband, Keith, Hill High School, class of 1964. The banquet was in Hill-Murray’s cafeteria, and Sandy commented that she remembered being in this exact cafeteria some 60+ years ago, hoping that Keith would be her prom date! And now, 60 years later, we are honoring “her Keith” in this same cafeteria.
As we move into the final week of classes, the halls are buzzing with end-of-year projects, exams, and the excitement of summer break right around the corner. I hope you can all take advantage of the slower pace of summer, finding time for travel, outdoor activities, special projects, and simply enjoying the “deep breath” of relaxation that warmer weather provides. Thank you—parents, students, faculty, and friends—for another academic year of faith-filled partnership. Your support makes everything we do possible. May God bless your summer and continue to guide the mission of Hill-Murray now and always.
Sincerely,
Melissa Dan, Ed.S.
Hill-Murray School President