Introduction by Anne Marie Ciprari, Director of Alumni

Good morning, Bishop Schlesinger, President Parr, Principal Kramer, Father Robbie, faculty, graduates, parents, alumni and friends of St. Pius X.

Graduates, you have heard for years about the St. Pius “family” and in just a few minutes you will officially be joining the St. Pius X Alumni family. There are 14,313 alumni who have graduated from this great School before you. And the Alumni family is LOUD & PROUD!  I’d like to ask all the St. Pius X alumni who are here today to stand up and be recognized.

It is my privilege to present the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. This award goes to someone who embodies the beloved characteristics of our fine school… Pride, Integrity, Unity, and Sacrifice.

Patty Gilmer Childs is a graduate of the great class of 1977.  She is also a parent of an alumni, her son Geoff, Class of 2002. However, most of you will know her as Mrs. Childs, Principal Childs, or Superintendent Childs as she has served in the Archdiocese of Atlanta for 37 years, first as a teacher at St. Thomas More, where she was Aaron Parr’s Kindergarten Teacher, then 23 years at St. Jude as a teacher, and then principal – earning 3 National Blue Ribbon Awards and Principal of the Year honors.  She is now Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Atlanta overseeing the Catholic education of 7,000 students in 16 schools.

When Patty was a student at St. Pius she was honored with the Christian Living Award at Graduation. This award was given to the student who demonstrated strong faith, service, and virtue within the school community.  Who knew back then how appropriate this award would be.

After St. Pius, Patty attended Mercer University, earning both a bachelor of science and master’s in education.  She also holds a certificate in “Leadership: An Evolving Vision” from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Patty is an active parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church where she serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.  And Patty has supported St. Pius X through gifts to the Annual Fund for 30 years - making her one of our most loyal supporters.

Patty, thank you, for all that you have done and continue to do for our community and the greater Catholic Community in Atlanta. You have dedicated your life to living out the ideals and values of St. Pius X and we are proud to recognize you as our 2026 Distinguished Alumni.

Congratulations!

Patty Childs comments to the Class of 2026

Greetings!
Years ago, I sat wearing my cap and gown, quietly wondering if everyone else in my graduating class had life (more) figured out than I did. I had plans, but I also had a lot of questions.

If someone had told me then that I would one day return as superintendent of schools – and be honored as a distinguished alumna – I would have laughed. Not because I thought it was impossible, but because as a 17-year-old, I could not yet see how life would unfold. I am truly honored, grateful, and humbled by this recognition and opportunity to speak to you this morning. Standing here today is deeply personal as the second generation of a third generation St. Pius family. Life has this extraordinary way of circling back to the places that shape us. And this school did more than educate me – it formed me. This is what makes Catholic education different. We are not only prepared for college or careers. We are formed for a life of purpose.

When I think about my time at St. Pius, I do not remember schedules or grades as much as I remember teachers. I remember sitting in a classroom, getting back an assignment that was not my best effort which was confirmed by the amount of red inked feedback I received. What I learned was this: Mrs. Patrick saw more in me than I saw in myself, and she was not going to let me settle for less than my best. I think of Ms. Guscio who showed her students that our futures were not limited by physical abilities. And I think of Sr. Mary Frances who helped me understand that reaching for a dream far outweighed the disappointment in letting that dream go. That is what great teachers do. They do not just teach us how to pass the test; they form us and nurture our growth. 

While, at the time, I did not appreciate how much their influence would matter, but as the years passed, I know their support and faith helped to strengthen my foundation and determination. 
Those early influences sustain us, especially when life gets difficult, when plans fall apart, or when we wonder if we are even capable of what is asked of us. In moments of doubt, I leaned on the foundation that was strengthened during my time at St. Pius
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In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us that the wise person builds their house on rock. The storms come – and they will – but the house stands because it is built on a firm foundation.
Graduates, you have been built on rock. You have been formed academically and spiritually—in classrooms where faith and reason walk together, in service where you encountered Christ in others, in friendships that supported you and others that challenged you to grow.

The world you are entering is loud, fast, and often divided. But you are not entering it unprepared. As Fr. Robbie said at your baccalaureate Mass, if you hold tight to the foundation nurtured by your family and St. Pius X, you will remain strong.

I know that you have plans, goals, and dreams. I urge you to pursue them and to work hard to achieve all that you were meant to do in your future. But always remember this – the most successful people are not the ones who controlled every outcome. They are the ones who entrusted their work to someone greater than themselves by living in faith. Faith does not limit your ambition. Instead, it shifts your focus from achievement to impact, from status to service, from recognition to purpose. In that shift, you will build a meaningful life. This world does not just need your talents – it needs your integrity, your compassion, your faith, and your courage. Courage to choose integrity when shortcuts are easier. Courage to stand for truth when it is unpopular. Courage to admit when you are wrong, and the courage to begin again. Courage is choosing, day after day, who you will be.

Graduates, be sure to take a moment to thank your parents and families who supported you, and your teachers, coaches, and mentors who believed in you – even when you did believe in yourself. They each played a part in strengthening your foundation.

So, as you walk across this stage to receive your diploma and you begin your next chapter, always remember that you are built on a firm foundation, commit yourself and your work to our Lord, be strong and courageous, and strive to lead a life of purpose … after all, we are the Lord’s.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. May God bless the journey ahead.