Group photo of the 75 graduating students from Incarnate Word Academy High School class of 2010 on the front steps of Corpus Christi Cathedral before the graduation exercises began on May 28th. "This is a great school with great traditions. We will always be a part of Incarnate Word Academy," said 2010 graduate Eric Krause. Krause attended Incarnate Word Academy for five years, and he plans to attend University of Texas in San Antonio in fall 2010.

On May 28, the graduating seniors of the class of 2010 of Incarnate Word Academy High School joyfully processed into the Corpus Christi Cathedral to participate in the liturgy and commencement exercises presided by Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey.

With proud parents and family members filling the Cathedral, Bishop Mulvey welcomed the 75 graduates, "It is a great privilege to welcome the IWA family. I ask for God's special blessing upon you!"

In his homily, Bishop Mulvey urged the graduates to be "a person of the future. To take and use all of the gifts and talents God has given you and turn them into the benefit for others."

Bishop Mulvey reminded them that we are all put on earth to serve others.

"We are not placed in this world to serve ourselves but to serve others. What impact can I have on the world?"

Bishop Mulvey told the graduating seniors that they have the keys to solving the problems of homelessness, poverty and war "if only we put into practice the plan of God."

In concluding his homily Bishop Mulvey told the class of 2010 that they all have the "gift of faith" and they must trust in the power of God.

"We are men and women of faith, and what I can not do, God can do."

After the closing of the Mass, the commencement exercises began.

Salutatorian Edwin J. Bomer, IV spoke first to his fellow graduates.

Bomer continued the theme of Bishop Mulvey's homily by prompting his classmates to remember that "everyone possess unique traits" which can be used to help others.

In his speech, Bomer thanked all of the parents for "giving us the best education possible."

Bomer concluded by thanking the faculty of IWA High School for their "continued love and support. You provided a quality education for all of the students."

Emily C. Nye, Valedictorian, stepped forward next and spoke of the future that all of the graduates now face.

Looking at her fellow graduates, Nye stated, "Free at last. This is the last time that we will all be together. It is a brave new world we are entering."

After thanking her parents and faculty, Nye reminded her classmates that while the Catholic Church has given us sacraments and a perpetual home, if we want to improve the world we must be willing to work for change.

"Entering a brave new world is both a challenge and a command. You must be the change you wish for the world."

After all of the students had received their diplomas from Bishop Mulvey, they recessed out of the Cathedral for the traditional cap toss on the Cathedral's front steps.

Graduate Matthew Rojas is ready to move forward and enter into that brave new world.

"I am ready to go. My path has been paved, and I am ready to walk."

While fellow graduate Eric Krause was happy to have completed his course work at IWA, he was sad to see the journey come to an end.

"This class is a good group of people. IWA is a great school with great traditions."

No matter where we end up, "we will always be a part of the IWA tradition."