2005 Graduates

Rannie Rose Cotaco was among the 120 graduate of St Dominick Class of 2005. She graduated with honors after being one of the most active student leaders since her freshmen years.

Class of 1999 Valedictorian Margaret Laracy, who went on to become the 2003 valedictorian at the University of Notre Dame and is now a counselor at L'Arche Community for developmentally disabled adults, gave the keynote address. It is interesting to note how school now picks keynote speaker. Focus shifted on ton the young generation mostly recent graduates to return in just few years to address the present. Not to be outdone, Rannie Rose Cotaco was invited to address the Our Lady of Victories on June 12, 2005. It was only 4 years ago when she herself was delivering the valedictory address. On the same graduation, her younger sister, Stephanie just spoke as on the 2 class salutatorians. She received most of the academic award including my favorite “Perfect attendance” Rannie of course saluted the class with her speech marked by her stand out training in forensic competition.

Our Lady of Victories should also pay tribute to Jose Cotaco. It is located on Ege Ave in Jersey City the same street where Jose Cotaco moved his family almost 30 years ago. His grandchildren attended and became among the best students the parochial school had produced.

At the graduation ceremony I saw some of the former Cotaco students. Now a promising but very young supervisor in the stock market operation- Jill Cotaco (the namesake of Jose Cotaco) joined the celebration. My friend (kababata) and playmate (mahjong) drove in with his brand new BMW. It was only few years ago when Jill entered the same school. You might think he is old enough to drive but not only drive but owning a Beamer is just prestige but signature of success.

Best wishes to new graduates of 2005!