Catholic high school seniors graduate: Juan Diego CHS

Friday, May. 29, 2015

DRAPER — The Juan Diego Catholic High School Class of 2015 graduation ceremony took place May 23 at the Skaggs Catholic Center. In keeping with tradition, each member of the class laid a rose in the grotto, and inscribed their name into the book of graduates. Then, to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the 190 graduates entered the school auditorium.

Of the Class of 2015, 97 percent are going on to college (84 percent to four-year institutions and 14 percent to two-year colleges.) Cumulatively, they have earned more than $7.8 million in scholarships, and 52 percent completed an average of two concurrent credit courses.  Among the class are 25 AP Scholars, 14 AP Scholars with Honors, 20 AP Scholars with Distinction and two National AP Scholars. The class won two state championships and four region championships. They also had three Academic All-State athletes, 15 Academic All-Region, one All-American and 14 All-State.

As Salutatorian, Gabriel Freeman said his job was to offer a welcoming speech, and he took the opportunity to thank those who attended the graduation. To his fellow graduates, he said: “So we finally made it. … I really enjoyed my years here. … I remember the first years we so wanted to fit in, to be with the cool ones. … I am proud to have shared this experience with all. We have grown substantially in these years. Strive to stay in touch, to smile, to lend a helping hand, to learn and strive to be happy.”

He closed with, “Juan Diego Graduation Class of 2015 … looking in the future, it sure does look bright,” he said as he put on a pair of sunglasses and walked away from the podium.

Valedictorian Danielle Beatty gave “a shout out to the entire Class of 2015 and everyone here at Juan Diego. I enjoyed my last four years here … We all have shared great friendships and experiences,” she said.

Adding that “no graduation speech would be complete with an inspirational quote,” said Beatty, who chose one from the Disney movie Ratatouille: “You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul.”

Several awards were given at the commencement:

The Saint Thomas Aquinas Award, which recognizes a senior young man for his love of learning, excellent academic record, classroom participation and rigorous self-discipline, went to Michael Enda.

Amber Wolff was presented with the Saint Teresa of Avila Award, which recognizes the same qualities in a senior young woman.

The Saint Sebastian Award recognizes seniors who have demonstrated a Christian spirit in conduct on and off the playing fields and courts, and who have inspired others to a deeper faith and greater love of sports. The 2015 recipients were Gabriel Colosimo, Dominique Mills and Monique Mills.

Caroline May accepted the Saint Cecilia Award, which recognizes a senior who has demonstrated excellence as a Christian role model, a student, a person of faith, and most especially, who has inspired others by a love of the performing or visual arts.

The Saint Michael the Archangel Award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has contributed significantly to the mission of the school; it was presented this year to Carolyn Schnurr, RN.

The 2015 Spiritus Donorum honor, which recognizes community supporters who have offered time, talent and resources on behalf of Catholic education, went to Donnette Mayer, Essie McIntire and Holy Cross Sister Genevra Rolf.

Before the diplomas were presented to the graduates by the Most Rev. John C. Wester, administrator of the Diocese of Salt Lake City; Holy Cross Sister Catherine Kamphaus, Superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools; and Dr. Galey Colosimo, principal, a new member was added to the Class of 2015: Archbishop Wester.

Saying that he had reviewed the archbishop’s scores and found that they met the requirements, Colosimo presented a medal representing the honorary diploma to the archbishop, who, with a big smile on his face, signed the book of graduates.