For our Catholic high school students, this past year was one marked by unprecedented adversity and unique challenges. When the class of 2021 began their freshmen year of high school, they could have never guessed that their senior year would be undertaken in the midst of a global pandemic, trading classrooms for Zoom rooms and face-to-face time for Facetime.
Even so, for the students of Bishop Machebeuf, Holy Family, Regis Jesuit, Arrupe Jesuit, Mullen and St. Mary’s Academy, they’ve proven that with resilience and the foundation of their Catholic education, no challenge is too great. If their conquering of this past year is any indication, then the class of 2021 is destined to do great things, all for the greater glory of God.
Congratulations to the graduates of the class of 2021! May the Lord bless each of you richly in all of your future endeavors.
Bishop Machebeuf High School
Graduation date: Friday, May 21 Number of graduates: 61 Number of graduates attending college: 58 Valedictorian: Maria Miller Salutatorian: Paul Sri “The class of 2021 has shared their enthusiasm, time, and talents with the entire Machebeuf community in many ways, and we will miss them as they become Machebeuf Alumni.” – Dr. Anthony Bonta, President
Holy Family High School
Graduation Date: Thursday, May 20 Number of graduates: 159 Number of graduates attending college: 157; two graduates joining U.S. Military Valedictorian: Caitlin Johnnides Salutatorian: Gavin Smith “You are well prepared for the next phase of your life – in your studies, in the virtues, and in the sacraments. You have all these gifts and you have the courage to put them to their best use to serve your family, your community, your country, and the Church. Your courage will serve you well in the next phase of your life when your peers and your teachers will often not share the world view of our community. When the Truth is on your side do not be afraid to voice it, do not wither in the face of adversity, but rather proclaim the world as it actually is and do not fear the consequences for as St. Augustine said ‘The Truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose and it will defend itself.’ Holy Family could not have surmounted the challenges of the last year without you. You have made your mark on this school and we will always be grateful to the Class of 2021.” – Matt Hauptly, Principal
Regis Jesuit High School
Boys’ Division Number of Graduates: 208 Graduation Date: Sunday, May 18 Valedictorian: Ryan Occhionero Salutatorian: Robert Whitehead
Girls’ Division Number of Graduates: 175 Graduation Date: Sunday, May 18 Valedictorian: Victoria O’Hare Salutatorians: Amelia Marcum
Total number of graduates attending college – 369
“The tassels that are currently on the right side of your cap indicate how close-knit the collective hope we share has been. And when we move it to the left, we are letting that hope loose- allowing it to touch the rest of the world. So set it free. Especially as leaders of change, think about who, sitting beside you right now or in your future needs to be seen, loved and given the opportunity to be cherished?” – Nzana Thillot, Senior
Mullen High School
Graduation date: Saturday, May 22 Number of graduates: 199 Number of graduates attending college: 196 Valedictorian: Anna Seaman Salutatorian: Michael Dudzic “In everything you do I urge you to be bold, be open and be authentic.” – Anna Seaman, Valedictorian
Arrupe Jesuit High School
Graduation Date: Friday, May 21 Number of graduates: 98 Number of graduates attending college: 98 Valedictorian: Jimena Padilla Ortiz Arrupe Jesuit’s class of 2021 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. – Father John Nugent, SJ, Principal
St. Mary’s Academy
Graduation date: Saturday, May 22 Number of graduates: 64 Number of graduates attending college: 64 “I want to let you know what a privilege it has been to say that I have studied and competed alongside some of the women who have walked this campus. SMA graduates are everywhere and have long worked to make our communities better.” – Commencement speaker Ramona Sandoval, ’13 Alumnus