Guiding Lights: Celebrating the Senior Class of the Mount

The stage was set, the candles flickered in anticipation, and the air buzzed with excitement as Mount St. Dominic Academy recently prepared to honor its senior class of the L.E.O. Entrepreneurship Program, a two-year intensive that starts in the junior year, encompassing the full life cycle of creating a business or product from ideation to launch, with the focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and opportunities.

Under the guidance of Christine Victori, Director of the L.E.O. Program and Chair of the Theology Department, the evening was one of celebration and inspiration. Joined by Rhonda Clarke, Executive Director of the Leonidas Foundation, which oversees the L.E.O. Program, the event stood as a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship, showcasing the remarkable achievements of the graduating seniors.

Victori warmly welcomed the audience, highlighting the purpose of the event: celebrating the senior class of the L.E.O. Program as changemakers shaping an equitable future.

She said, “Tonight we celebrate the senior class of the L.E.O Program, who are passing the torch from their time at the Mount to the future that lies before them.”

Quoting Saint Catherine of Siena, Victori encouraged the seniors to embrace their calling and ignite positive change in the world. She underscored the program's influence in guiding students towards their aspirations while fostering a commitment to service and innovation. Victori expressed deep pride in their growth and eagerly anticipated their future accomplishments.

Clarke expressed her deep connection to the senior class, who started the program when she began working with the foundation. She expressed gratitude for the lessons she has learned from them and wished them all the best. Clarke went on to say, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you're young. You might be young, but you're all fierce –and the light is just blazing.”

She then introduced the two speakers for the event: Lauren Garcia, CEO of Bloom Social Club, which was created as a women-focused network for enterprising women who are charting their own paths in business. It is a platform that gives entrepreneurs the ability to scale their business, gain access to the best resources, and join a community where they are truly valued; and Julia Carrano, Miss Teen USA.

Garcia celebrated the fourth cohort of the L.E.O. program and shared her journey as an entrepreneur and nurse. She encouraged the graduates to embrace continuous growth and resilience, highlighting the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success and surrounding oneself with a supportive community. She said that although the road ahead feels daunting, “In those moments, I want you to remember that you are stronger than you think and you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.” She also emphasized cultivating an abundance mindset, practicing gratitude, and never stopping learning and growing. She urged the graduates to go forward with courage and confidence, knowing that the best is yet to come.

Carrano shared her personal journey of overcoming anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and being true to oneself. She spoke about her struggles in high school and college, where she faced challenges with her mental health. Julia highlighted the significance of being honest about one's struggles and reaching out to a support system. She discussed her experiences with treatment and therapy, which helped her regain her strength and sense of self. Julia also talked about her work as a crisis counselor and mental health advocate, using her voice to help others. She encouraged the audience to embrace their uniqueness and remember that their challenges do not define them, but rather, how they deal with those challenges shapes who they are.

She said, “One takeaway that I want you guys to get from my story is to always, always be true to who you are, always be the most authentic version of you and do not let anyone try to change you in any way.” Julia's story served as a reminder that everyone's journey is unique, and it's essential to stay true to oneself and not compare one's journey to others.

Subsequently, each member of the cohort was individually called up to receive a lit candle, symbolizing their personal journey and the brightness that lies ahead in their futures.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the glow of the candles illuminated not only the faces of the L.E.O. cohort, but also the path they had forged towards a brighter future. With the wisdom imparted by speakers like Garcia and Carrano, the students were reminded of their potential to effect change and overcome any obstacle. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, they will carry the light of their candles as a beacon of hope and inspiration, knowing that they have the knowledge, skills, and determination to make a difference in the world.

About the L.E.O. Program: Mount St. Dominic Academy is the second school in the state, and the first all-girls school, chosen to participate in the prestigious L.E.O. Program. Established in memory of Leonidas "Leo" Vagias, the program aims to cultivate business-minded leaders and entrepreneurs among junior and senior students. Taught by faculty, business experts, and professional entrepreneurs, the program covers the entire business or product development lifecycle, emphasizing leadership, entrepreneurship, and real-world opportunities.

Students undergo a rigorous application process and interview to earn acceptance into the two-year intensive program. Throughout the curriculum, they collaborate with entrepreneurs and business experts as coaches and mentors, learning about ideation, market research, and business plan development. The program also includes lectures from industry leaders, field visits to organizations like UPS and an annual leadership conference in Washington, D.C.

The L.E.O. Program not only prepares students for college but also ensures they are career-ready, aligning with Mount St. Dominic Academy's commitment to blending traditional liberal arts with real-world educational opportunities.

About Mount St. Dominic Academy: MSDA, established by the Sisters of St. Dominic, is an independent, Catholic college preparatory school dedicated to the education of young women from a variety of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Located in the heart of bucolic Caldwell, New Jersey, the Mount has been empowering young women in the Dominican tradition since 1892. Mount St. Dominic Academy is a proud member of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the International Coalition of Girls Schools, the Dominican Association of Secondary Schools, the National Catholic Educational Association, and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The Mount is also a recipient of the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for its outstanding achievement in fostering high female representation in both AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP), the 2023 Best of Essex Gold Medal in the "Best in Private School” category, and has been named a Niche A+ 2024 Best School, which is only achieved by 2.5% of the country. Visit the Mount for more information.