The sun is out, flowers are blooming, and high school students’ palms are sweating — not for cash, (though there’ll probably be plenty of that) but for their diplomas.
Graduation season is here, and seniors everywhere are rejoicing, especially in the Catholic high schools here in Denver. Those late nights of studying, writing, calculating and procrastinating have paid off, and they’re about to embark on the greatest adventure they’ll ever know: discerning and discovering God’s will for their lives.
High school helped to form their minds and hearts, but for the graduates of Bishop Machebeuf, Holy Family, St. Mary’s, Arrupe Jesuit, Regis Jesuit, and Mullen High Schools, this is just the beginning. We’re sure that God has big plans for each and every one of them and that they’re all going to do great things.
Congratulations, class of 2019! May God bless each of you in your future endeavors.
Bishop Machebeuf High School
Graduation date: Friday, May 24, 2019 Scholarships awarded: $5 million Number of graduates: 75 Number attending college: 70
I will always have a special place in my heart for the Class of 2019. These students showed tremendous leadership and school spirit this year and I am looking forward to hearing about the many accomplishments that are still to come!” –Kellie Carroll, Interim Principal
Holy Family High School
Graduation date: Thursday, May 23, 2019 Scholarships awarded: $14.5 million Number of graduates: 165 Number attending college: 159 3 enlisting in Navy Valedictorian: Ceili Opp Salutatorian: Alexia Simonton
The Class of 2019 has many fantastic accomplishments academically, athletically, artistically, in Mock Trial, in Speech & Debate, in service, and more. Most impressively, this class provided mature leadership and full buy-in to the Catholic Mission of the school.” –Matt Hauptly, Principal
Arrupe Jesuit High School
Graduation date: Friday, May 24, 2019 Scholarships awarded: $14.1 million Number of graduates: 92 Number attending college: 92 Valedictorian: Destiny Arias-Buckeye, Regis University Salutatorian: Alma Borunda Granillo, Regis University
Arrupe Jesuit’s class of 2019 has distinguished itself as excellent students, dedicated leaders, young professionals through our Corporate Work Study Program, and as loving young people filled with great faith and hope. We celebrate all the ways their God-given gifts have enriched our school community and send them off as generous men and women for others.” –Rev. John Nugent, SJ, Principal
Regis Jesuit High School
Boys Division Total number of graduates: 230 Graduation date: Sunday, May 19, 2019 Valedictorian: Christopher James Long, Conner Pettit Salutatorian: Jacob Thomas Botaish
Girls Division Total number of graduates: 186 Graduation date: Monday, May 20, 2019 Valedictorian: Megan Lucille Hilbert, Gianni Eumelia Pacheco Salutatorian: Lauren Elizabeth Hanley
Total number attending college: 405 Total scholarships awarded: $27 million
After thinking about this for a while now, I have come to the conclusion that being happy is all anyone really wants — to live a joyful life, a life that might not be easy, but a life that is fulfilling.” –Michael Connor Blue, Class of ‘19
Our lives over the next four years will be filled with people who … have never experienced authentic love before. We get to be messengers of God’s love, hope, friendship, community and acceptance. Be authentic! Speak sincerely! Listen thoughtfully! Act compassionately! And always, always choose love! You all are going to do amazing things … I am sure of it, but be known not for your accomplishments, but rather by the way you choose to love. I dare to say that’s the Regis Jesuit way.” –Gianni Eumelia Pacheco, Girls’ Valedictorian
St. Mary’s Academy
Graduation date: Saturday, May 18, 2019 Scholarships awarded: 176 totaling $7.3 million Number of graduates: 57 Number attending college: 57 St. Mary’s does not appoint Valedictorians or Salutatorians.
Each one of these young women sitting beside me is remarkable. Each one is intelligent, inspiring and — most importantly — a little more themselves because of our time here at St. Mary’s Academy.” –Macey Ann Hayden, Student address
Mullen High School
Graduation date: Saturday, May 25, 2019 Scholarships awarded: $24 million Number of graduates: 199 Number attending college: 192 Valedictorian: Parker Juels Salutatorian: Quy Le, Sofia Zinis
Remembering that God is with you will help and inspire you in all that you do.” –St. John Baptist de La Salle