(COVINGTON, La.) — The class of 2016 seniors have been putting in multiple hours towards practice for graduation throughout the senior exam schedule, which began May 3, 2016. The commencement Mass and ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016, in the Briggs Assembly Center on campus.

“I can’t wait to start this new chapter in my life. I am extremely excited to experience new things,” said graduating senior Nick Gordon.

In order for graduation to run smoothly, these practices are held to get every graduate on the same page. They practice their entrance, singing the traditional Graduation Mass hymns, synchronized standing and sitting, and, of course, the reception of their diplomas. Practices are presided over by St. Paul’s President Bro. Ray Bulliard, FSC, with piano accompaniment by Bro. Ken Boesch, FSC.

“Bro. Ray makes us do everything over and over until he is happy,” Ryan Meraux, one of six class Valedictorians said. “His attitude is that graduation is not for us; it’s for our parents. It’s the last thing the school will give them, so he wants it to be perfect.”

Fellow Valedictorians will be Jacob Broussard, Jack Cheng, Patrick Connolly, Luke Avenel, and Leland van Deventer. Salutatorians will be John Cresson and Ethan Desforges.