Austin Preparatory School celebrated its 43rd commencement this year with Headmaster Paul Moran awarding diplomas to 110 graduates of the Class of 2008. Austin's 1,200 seat Multi-Purpose Facility was filled to capacity as the graduates, friends, family, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the occasion.

Graduate Anne Jasinski of Boxford added a mucical performance to the ceremony.

The Rev. Gary McCloskey, dean of Merrimack College and chaired professor of Augustinian pedagogy, gave the keynote address. He invoked the lessons of St. Augustine, calling on the graduates to find Augustine's definition of maturity through a balance of education, experience and talent. He implored the graduates, "Do not settle for the world of talk-show sound bites. Even though it is tempting, do not just experience a prolonged adolescence. Like St. Augustine, transform yourself into a mature individual that you can be proud of."

The following local residents received diplomas from Austin Preparatory School:

Boxford

Stephen T. Dusel, a member of the National Honor Society, who will attend Union College.

Anne M. Jasinski, winner of the Charles L. Luciano Memorial Unsung Student Loyalty Award and a member of the National Honor Society, who will attend the University of Richmond.

North Andover

Matthew B. Byers, who will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Danielle M. DelDotto, who will attend Norwich University.

Alexandria L. Kury, who will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Michael J. Magliochetti, who will attend Curry College.

Justin M. Zolot, a member of the National Honor Society, who will attend Union College.