There was a time when Teresa Priolo wasn't particularly driven in math, but the possibility of leaving Mount St. Dominic was all the motivation she needed to improve.

As Mount St. Dominic's commencement speaker for the school's 114th graduation ceremony Sunday morning, Priolo told the audience how her father once considered removing her from the school because of failing math grades.

It was an experience that not only improved Priolo's results in the subject, but the 2001 Mount grad's academic growth eventually led her to become a peer leader.

"After talking to one of my teachers, he was convinced that Mount St. Dominic was the right school for me," she said. "The possibility of losing an education here scared me straight."

Priolo's determination continued after graduating college when she encountered difficult conditions while working her way up to her current position as anchor of CBS News in Albany N.Y. Despite being nervous and a bit scared, she persevered to where she is today.

"I encourage you to show up and do the right thing," Priolo said. "Big dreams and talent are necessary for success, but it takes more than that. Showing up and doing your best every time is what's most important."

Wearing pristine white caps and gowns, the 99 graduating seniors listened to Priolo's words after being greeted by Sr. Honora Werner, vice chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, and Mount senior Bridget Rasmusson's salutatorian address inside the school's newly renovated athletic center.

"Your love of dreams yet to come true and your love of people who helped you get here, have helped today's dream come true," Werner said.

"Dream on, grounding your dreams in love and know that any dreams rooted in love will come true."

After Sr. Frances Sullivan, head of school, presented the seniors with their diplomas as family and friends crowded the aisles to snap pictures and record video, Colleen Elizabeth Carroll provided the valedictorian address.

A member of the National Honor Society and an Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar, she maintained a 4.0 grade-point average throughout her Mount career.

The South Orange resident, who will attend Princeton in fall, encouraged her classmates to never be afraid to take a chance.

"We have had a rich and rewarding experience, and memories we will want to keep," Carroll said.

"Sometimes walking into the unknown can be something fantastic. Don't shy away from a great opportunity because you may fail."

Inspired by her father, who passed away in 2003, Carroll concluded by offering one last bit of advice.

"Nothing can go right if you don't at least give it a try," she said. "Push yourself to overcome your fears because it will be well worth it."

Mount's Grads from The Caldwells

Caldwell—Sarah Madigan Kinslow, Elisabeth Theresa Lembo, Katherine Emily Newcombe, Bridget Marie Rasmusson, Madelyn Cushing Renzetti and Casey Alex Rutkowski

West Caldwell—Jacqueline Marie Dorrity, Juliana Marie Macaluso, Anna Catherine Molinski, Alecia Nicole Rella, Katherine Mary Yudd and Audrey Frances Janine Zabohonski

North Caldwell—Molly Elizabeth Lelinho, Alexandra Elizabeth Macaluso, Stephanie Alexandra Masone, Catherine Rose Mikula, Stasia Marie Rogacki and Emilie Catherine Stewart