Cornelia Connelly School extends its best wishes to the Class of 2012 for all its accomplishments, and praises each young woman who graduated June 10.

Connelly graduates have inspired their community in service to others, global awareness and academic achievements. Their studies extended to England, Ireland, New York and Washington, D.C. They lead with actions, not words, and Connelly is confident the Class of 2012 will go on to achieve great things, as 100 percent of the 72 seniors will move on to four-year universities and colleges across the nation. 

Top colleges and universities recognized Connelly's stellar students - rewarding Connelly Girls with more than $5.875 million in merit-based and talent-based scholarships. Connelly's seniors were accepted at more than 140 colleges and universities in 34 states. The 2012 graduates plan to study chemical engineering, law, art, forensic science, kinesiology, mathematics and education. They boast admissions and scholarships to Rice, UCLA, USC, Stanford, University of Chicago, Cornell, and UC Berkeley.

At Connelly, we know that the Catholic foundation, global curriculum and Holy Child Exchange Program opportunities prepare Connelly's young women for the college path and post-graduate studies. Over four years, seniors volunteered 6,733 hours in hospitals, tutoring children, serving food to needy families, and raising awareness for Dalit girls of India who do not have the educational opportunities of a Connelly Girl. Nearly all of Connelly's seniors volunteered more than the required 80 hours of community service in four years. The majority of the senior class served more than 100 hours and many girls volunteered more than 250 hours. Most of Connelly's Class of 2012 received the Presidential Service Award.

Connelly has so much to offer young women. Students here, take advantage of Connelly's:

• Mock Trial Team in OC's Top 4
• 16 Honors courses and 11 Advanced Placement courses
• 100% move on to higher education
• New Visual Arts Center for painting, sculpture, graphic art and a gallery for display
• New state-of-the-art science labs
• Redesigned library
• New chapel

Four of Connelly's 72 seniors are commended students through the National Merit Scholarship Program. More than 50 percent of seniors are lifetime members of the California Scholarship Federation.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012. Connelly seniors graduate in formal white gowns and gloves, carrying trademark red roses. The commencement ceremony features musical performances by Connelly students and speeches from the Class President, Associated Student Body President, and from a keynote speaker.

To find out more about Connelly's graduates and review a full list of college acceptances to date, please review the Class of 2012 College Acceptance List and visit www.connellyhs.org.