Catholic high schools announce graduation ceremonies
Cathedral High School
Cathedral High School will hold its baccalaureate Mass at 7 p.m. May 25 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud. Bishop Donald Kettler will preside.
Commencement is at 8 p.m. May 27 in Cathedral School’s North Gym. Bishop Kettler will confer diplomas to the 119 graduates. The speakers are co-valedictorians Mason Halstrom, a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Sartell, and Nick Schmitz, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in St. Cloud.
St. John’s Preparatory School
St. John’s Preparatory School in Collegeville will hold its commencement ceremony May 28 at St. John’s Abbey Church, beginning with a 10 a.m. baccalaureate Mass, followed by the presentation of diplomas to 46 graduates. Seniors selected Kelly Fitch, an English teacher, to deliver the commencement address and Sydney Lo from Sartell as the student speaker.
What was the most important lesson this year’s graduates learned in high school? How has their faith influenced them? What are their plans for the future?
The Visitor asked Catholic high schools and parishes across the diocese to choose a graduating senior to be profiled for this special section. Read their responses below:
Alicia Bjorkedal
Big Lake High School, Big Lake
St. Andrew Parish, Elk River
Name one thing you’re proud of accomplishing in high school.
One thing I am proud of accomplishing in high school is receiving the academic fine art award. Art is my passion and being acknowledged for my artwork makes me feel proud of my artistic gifts.
What’s the greatest lesson you learned in high school?
The greatest lesson I learned in high school is to always go to school with an open mind. I never know where the day will take me. I also learned to be true to myself and hold true to my beliefs and values.
In what ways did you demonstrate Gospel values in your school life and activities?
My faith has always been a big part of my life. Since attending Sunday school and Vacation Bible School when I was 3 years old, I have been actively involved in my parish. I attended St. Andrew Catholic School through sixth grade. I have made lifelong friends through my confirmation group and peer ministry. Being actively involved in the church over the years has allowed me the opportunity to make great friends and grow even more in my faith. Some of the highlights of the last few years have been working as a peer minister and attending Castaway and the National Catholic Youth Conference. I am grateful for these faith-filled experiences.
What book did you read in high school that most changed the way you think?
I really like the book “The Great Gatsby.” I’m not really sure how this book changes how I think, but the characters’ lives intrigue me. The setting and time of the book also interest me. I like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s writing style, and I like the way he makes a connection with the reader.
If you could have a conversation with a historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask him or her?
It would be really cool to meet Mother Teresa. I feel like she would have so much to say, and I could learn a lot from her. I wouldn’t ask her any particular question. I would just let her talk to me.
What is your favorite quote?
“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope in a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
What are your post high school plans?
I plan to attend Concordia University, St. Paul, to get a community arts degree. I also want to study abroad and learn more about other cultures and art.
Alana Brenny
St. John’s Preparatory School, Collegeville
St. Lawrence Parish, Duelm
How did attending a Catholic high school change you?
There’s a sense of shared values present within a Catholic school that are not present elsewhere. The whole community understands these to be necessary for an individual’s growth. I think this has really helped me to reach my full potential as a more compassionate and confident individual.
If you could have a conversation with a historical figure, who would it be and why?
I would love to have a conversation with the great composer Mozart. I am currently studying one of his French horn concertos. It would be interesting to ask about his intended style for the piece and be able to compare it to how performers play it today.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in high school?
In high school, I have learned that a large part of life is perspective-based. Many disputes come from a misunderstanding of two parties’ points of view. I have found that, in order to eliminate this, effective communication is very important.
What service projects have you been involved in? How have they made a difference in your life?
I regularly volunteer at the local YMCA’s Parent’s Night Out, participate in highway cleanups, and have volunteered at our diocese’s youth rally. All of this has made me realize that I can use my abilities to affect other people in a positive way and connect with them on a deeper level by doing things to benefit my community.
Describe the most significant faith experience you have had during high school.
Annually, during Catholic Schools Week, my high school hosts a Mass for the area’s Catholic schools. At last year’s Mass I had the opportunity to sing the Communion song at the podium. This was a significant faith experience for me because it was touching to see the [St. John’s Abbey Church] full of so many young people who shared common values and faith.
What is your favorite quote?
“Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.” — Steven Wright
What are your post high school plans?
I intend to pursue a double major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in French horn performance and biology.
Elisha Engelmeyer
Melrose Area High School, Melrose
St. Rose of Lima Parish, St. Rosa
What book did you read in high school that most changed the way you think and why?
I read the book “Sarah’s Key.” It taught me to never take life for granted. In this book, Sarah’s family is ripped apart during World War II because of their [Jewish] religion. Sarah’s story made me realize how lucky I am to live life freely.
What advice would you give students entering their senior year?
Always try new things and live in the moment. Don’t worry what others think of you, only worry about what you think of yourself. Don’t stress yourself out about little details, because life will work out the way it is supposed to.
How has your faith life influenced your actions during your years in high school?
My faith influenced me to be kind to opponents in sports. It is more important to be a good person than to worry only about winning. My faith also influenced me in government class to stand up in front of the room to express my opinions on political views.
What is happening in your world that troubles your conscience and you would like to change for the better?
Abortion. It saddens me to think of all the innocent lives that are lost every day. I pray every day and will continue to pray for pregnant women to choose life.
What is your favorite quote?
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” — Maya Angelou
What are your post high school plans?
I plan on attending North Dakota State University with a major in nursing. I hope to become a registered nurse in central Minnesota.
Mason Halstrom
Cathedral High School, St. Cloud
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sartell
How did attending a Catholic high school change you?
Attending Cathedral has provided me with an excellent education that has helped me become more well-rounded and has prepared me for the challenges that I will face as I progress through life.
Name one thing that you are proud of accomplishing in high school.
I am extremely honored to have been recognized as co-valedictorian, and to have maintained quality grades while undertaking a rigorous schedule of coursework.
What is the best advice you’ve received from a teacher?
Keep two feet on the ground and make the most of the present moment.
What do you appreciate most about your Catholic faith?
It is a connection to people across many cultures. Even if you do not speak the same language as someone, you can find common ground through religion.
If you could go back in time five years, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t focus on trying to impress others, or turn yourself into someone else to be accepted. Become the person that you want yourself to be.
What is your favorite quote?
“When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” — John Lennon
What are your post high school plans?
Next year I will be attending the University of Notre Dame. I plan to study to become a medical doctor.
Bailey Hennes
Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, Sauk Rapids
St. Stephen Parish, St. Stephen
If you could have a conversation with a historical figure, who would it be and why?
I want to speak to George Washington to try and understand what he was thinking during his revolution and presidential days. I would also like to understand how he was able to set a precedent of running for two terms when the call to absolute power was at his fingertips.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in high school?
The greatest lesson I learned in high school was that we don’t have to fight our battles alone. We can get caught up on being better or beating someone else, but the easiest and fastest way to succeed is together.
What service projects have you been involved in? How have they made a difference in your life?
For the past two years I have worked with younger children, trying to instill good morals in them. I find that my own morals have become stronger because of this.
Describe the most significant faith experience you have had during high school.
Halfway through high school, I was in a bad place, believing that life itself wasn’t worth living. At that time, I started praying more than I had before, and I found that my sorrows had been lifted slightly through God.
What is your favorite quote?
“Anything can happen if you let it.” — from the musical “Mary Poppins.”
What are your post high school plans?
I plan to attend the University of Notre Dame for medicine, majoring in neuroscience and behavior.
Matthew Keller
Melrose Area High School, Melrose
St. Mary Parish, Melrose
If you could have a conversation with a historical figure, who would it be and why?
Martin Luther King Jr., because he stood up for what he believed was right and worked hard for change.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in high school?
Hard work will always pay off in the long run.
What service projects have you been involved in? How have they made a difference in your life?
I have been involved in the National Honor Society and I have been involved in a number of events. The one that sticks out is helping out the senior citizens for the senior matinee. It makes me realize to never take anything for granted and always be happy with what I have.
Describe the most significant faith experience you have had during high school.
When our classmate Darin Blommel died, the entire grade came together at his farm and had a prayer service and lit candles in his remembrance. It was a very moving experience.
What is your favorite quote?
“You can never have a positive day with a negative attitude.”
What are your post high school plans?
I will attend St. Cloud Technical and Community College to pursue a degree in water environmental technology.
Rebecca Schubert
Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, Sauk Rapids
Annunciation Parish, Mayhew Lake
What book did you read in high school that most changed the way you think and why?
One novel I read in high school that had a huge influence was “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. The novel talks about avoiding prejudice and to judge people by their actions not by their appearances. The novel has a lot of underlying messages that can be applied to everyday life as it is so honest about how the society we live in functions.
What advice would you give students entering their senior year?
Any students entering their senior year should remember to stay humble and cherish the time they have with their family and friends. The year goes by faster than you think, and before you know it you’re off to college. It’s important to stay focused until the end but have fun and enjoy your last few high school events.
How has your faith life influenced your actions during your years in high school?
High school is one of the most challenging and frustrating things to experience as a teen with peer pressure, bullies and new obstacles every day. Being close to God and attending Mass regularly has helped take so much pressure off of me. I never feel alone, and I always know where to find my strength and refuge when I feel like I’m failing.
What troubles your conscience and what would you like to do to make a change for the better?
In my world, I’m really stressed out about successfully completing college and staying true to my goals. I find it hard to balance my social and educational aspects of life. It’s hard to stay in and complete my homework or study for an upcoming quiz when there are so many things to do with friends. In the end, I always remind myself that the benefit will be a successful completion of a degree in college and a happy, comfortable life to come.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is, “We are never defeated unless we give up on God.” — Ronald Reagan
What are your post high school plans?
I plan on attending North Dakota State University for agricultural and biosystems engineering.
Nick Schmitz
Cathedral High School, St. Cloud
Holy Spirit Parish, St Cloud
How did attending a Catholic high school change you?
I have enjoyed the spiritual learning environment combined with smaller class sizes, and teachers who care about me both academically and personally. Cathedral High School has been a great fit for me.
What book did you read in high school that most changed the way you think and why?
A book that I found to be very compelling was “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway. I enjoyed reading a novel from a different time period with an emphasis on harmony with nature.
What advice would you give students entering their senior year?
Begin the process of looking at colleges early. Don’t leave it to the last minute, it is an important decision that shouldn’t be rushed. Also stay involved in clubs and activities at your school.
How has your faith life influenced your actions during your years in high school?
My faith life has helped me to understand the importance of serving those in need. It is vital for students to understand and become involved in solving social justice issues.
What is happening in your world that troubles your conscience and you would like to change for the better?
A topic that deeply troubles me is the fact that one in 10 people in the world lacks access to clean water. I hope that we as people from developed nations can use our resources and technology to provide such a vital resource to those in need.
What is your favorite quote?
“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” — Isaac Newton
What are your post high school plans?
I plan to attend the University of Notre Dame next year to study physics and finance.
Justin Wensmann
Upsala Area Schools, Upsala
St. Edward Parish, Elmdale
Name one thing you are proud of accomplishing in high school.
One thing I am proud of accomplishing in high school is making it into college-level math classes.
What is the best advice you’ve received from a teacher?
The best advice I have gotten from a teacher is, “Don’t procrastinate.”
What do you appreciate most about your Catholic faith?
What I appreciate most about my Catholic faith is that it taught me how to be patient and respect others.
If you could go back in time five years, what advice would you give yourself?
Save your money.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote: “Some days you’re the dog, some days you are the hydrant.”
What are your post high school plans?
I will attend Alexandria Technical College for carpentry and take over my dad’s cabinet shop.
Elizabeth Wippler
Parkers Prairie High School, Parkers Prairie
Sacred Heart Parish, Urbank
Name one thing you are proud of accomplishing in high school.
My favorite sport to play is tennis, so when I received the tennis team MVP award this past fall, I was extremely proud of myself. It was something I have been working toward during my high school tennis career.
What is the best advice you’ve received from a teacher?
The best advice I’ve received is, “Stay a lifelong learner and invest in yourself.” Being a lifelong learner will keep a constant stream of new possibilities and new information open for me.
What do you appreciate most about your Catholic faith?
What I appreciate the most is being able to find strength in God when I need it. My difficult times are not quite as difficult when I can turn to God and pray.
If you could go back in time five years, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself to give more time and energy when it comes to sports, academics and friendships. Because I love playing tennis so much, I would also tell myself to take tennis lessons so I would have been able to make my goal of state tennis a reality.
What is your favorite quote?
“To be human is to be beautifully flawed.” This quote comes from one of my favorite movies called “October Baby.” It reminds me that it is OK to not be perfect. Being flawed makes us unique, and it’s crazy to think that God purposely made us this way.
What are your post high school plans?
I will be attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities this fall. I will major in Spanish and pair it with something along the way, still undecided at this moment.