The magnificent seven

WILMINGTON, Del. (The Dialog) -- Seven boys marked what they called "the end of the beginning" for Nativity Preparatory School June 10 as they became the private middle school's first graduates.

In ceremonies at Salesianum School's Centenary Hall, the students and some of those who guided them reflected on how far the seven had come in the three years since they entered as Nativity's first students. "Nativity has given us a better education than any of us could have anticipated," graduate Timothy Taylor said, reading the graduates' speech written by classmate Rogelio Lopez. "Nativity taught us to be who we are, and to be that well. But most important, Nativity has taught us how to be gentlemen." The graduates had advice for their younger schoolmates: "Take advantage of what you are given here; you may not be given another opportunity. ... Enjoy your time at Nativity because there is no place like it." Lopez received the Provincial Medal of Honor, given to the student who best exemplifies the virtues of St. Francis de Sales. The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales opened Nativity in 2003 to help students from low-income families prepare for independent and private college prep schools. Enrollment was 34 this year. "I was speechless," Lopez said after receiving his award. He and his family moved to the United States from Mexico five years ago. "I only knew a couple of words in English," he said. Two years later he enrolled in Nativity's demanding academic program. He finished with a 4.1 grade point average -- highest in the school -- and will attend Tatnall School -- a private, independent school -- this fall. He read a lot of books at Nativity, Lopez said, the most memorable being "Gone With the Wind." "It was the first time I read a book as long as that," he said. Father Richard DeLillio, the school's executive director, began the ceremonies by recalling the Oblates' "great vision" three years ago. "We said, if you give us your children we will provide a tuition-free education." The students, their families, the community and the Oblates worked together to make the vision a reality, he said. At the graduates' request, Lisa Blunt-Bradley, president and chief executive officer of the Wilmington Metropolitan Urban League, read her poem "Don't Look," which she had read to students during a visit to Nativity not long after she joined the Urban League in 2004. "Don't look at where I come from," she read, "look at where I am going." In his keynote speech, Father Thomas Curran, Nativity's first executive director, cited a phrase used more than 100 years before as the Oblates opened Salesianum School with 15 students: "Great things begin small." Father Curran, now president of Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., recalled how Nativity's first 15 students, in fifth and sixth grades, met three years ago for their physicals and to learn more about the new school, at 1515 Linden St. "It was your belief in us that started us on this journey," he said. "You are wise young men. Knowledge can be considered as the 'what' of life; it is a tool. Wisdom is the knowledge of how to use that tool; it is the 'why' of life. My prayer is that you continue to be considered by others as wise young men." After the ceremony, Andrew Bingham, father of graduate Philip Bingham, recalled how he was initially "very much uncertain" about sending Philip to Nativity. One of his concerns was the time commitment, not only for students -- 10-hour days at school, plus weekend and summer events -- but for parents, who are required to help. But, he said, "it was well worth it." Philip Bingham will attend the independent Sanford School next year. "I feel quite comfortable that he is going to be able to live up to the expectations there," his father said. "He has been thoroughly prepared." Philip's brother Patrick also attends Nativity. Before the graduation, students recalled some of their favorite times -- and some of their less-favorite. Favorites included a field trip to New York City where they saw "A Raisin in the Sun" on Broadway and went up the Empire State Building, and a month-long summer camp at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa. The less-than-favorite times included adjusting to Nativity's academic challenges, including homework. Byron Bailey put the experience into perspective as he looked to the future. "[Nativity] gave me the tools that I need for life -- like manners and things like that -- along with an education."

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This story was made available to Catholic Online by permission of The Dialog (www.cdow.org), the official newspaper of the Diocese of Wilmington, Del.