Congratulations, M! Introducing Mater Dei High School - Class of 2017 Valedictorian!

Marianna McDevitt,
 Mater Dei Class of 2017, Valedictiorian

Congratulations is in order for the entire
Mater Dei High School Class of 2017 for a job well done! I've never seen so many students with 4.0 grade point averages. Awesome!
I must admit that my focal point is on the Mater Dei High School, Class of 2017 Valedictorian
(drum roll!)  - Introducing Ms. Marianna McDevitt -
an amazing, multi-talented, kind, and beautiful
young lady (inside and out). A young lady with true grit.

We want to show gratitude for all of the effort that went into making such a momentous occasion so special - 

Thank you, Ms. Frances Clare, Principal,
Mr. Patrick Murphy, President,
Mr. Gregory Dhuyvetter, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Reverend Gerald M. Horan, O.S.M. Vicar of Faith Formation, Diocese of Orange, Most Reverend Keven W. Vann, J.C.D., D.D. Bishop, Diocese of Orange,
for such a dignified seremony. 

M., all dressed up for Prom Night. Isn't she lovely?

Marie McDevitt, Marianna's grandmother, and M.,
Who's the tallest?

Marianna, or M., as I affectionaly call her, is the apple of her father's eye, and her mother and grandparents simply adore her. 

M., with the help of her parents, worked very hard, triumphing over adversity, staying focused, acheiving her goal.
Not only did she have to stay focused on

Mr. & Mrs. McDevitt w/ Marianna - nothing tops the love of grandparents! #grandparentsrock

school, missing her junior year due to an injury she sustained a concussion.  
During her Senior year,
she stepped up to the helms when there was a family illness, and took on the responsibility of helping her brother, Sean-Anthony, stay on task, getting to school on time, during his freshman year at #MaterDai High School. #sisterandbrotherfriendsforever

Avis, Marianna, and Brendan McDevitt
 @MaterDei Senior Awards
#McDevittFamilyRocks

Mom, Dad and Valedictiorian, M.!
#family #love 

M. and her big sister Amanda(r.) - (two #blessings),
celebrating M's Big Day!
#SistersForever 

 Mom, Avis, and Dad Brendan McDevitt, and big brother Jordan,
celebrating M's graduation.
What a nice surprise! #BestParentsEver 

The McDevitt Family
(Amanda is missing! She's away, @Yale University.
See beautiful Amanda in the next photo ↙)

Amanda, Sean-Anthony, Marianna, and Jordan
#McDevittFamilyRocks

l to r, Proud Mom, Avis, M, and God-Mom, Carla Thomas. 

M., with your determination, dedication and serious skills, you did it!
Our ancestors would be so proud of you. 
So many of us love you, and you've made our hearts glad.
With all my heart I wish you much more continued success, Beautiful One.
Keep on pushing forward. Keep on shining! 

"Out of the huts of history's shame - I rise,
Up from a past that's rooted in pain - I rise...
I rise. I rise, I rise." - Dr. Maya Angelou

With so much love & light, 
Your God-Mom, Carla

#family #goodparenting #love #educationiskey #MaterDeiHighSchoolClassof2017 #gomgo #firstafricanamericanvalevictorian #brilliancerunsdeep