Juan Diego graduates soar to new adventures

Friday, May. 30, 2014

DRAPER — Juan Diego Catholic High School’s Class of 2014 has been described in many ways, one of a kind and out of control among them, but for Valedictorian Hannah Edwards, it was “the class that soared higher and lower than any class before us, the class that took spirit to a new level, the class that came together and supported one another no matter our differences,” she said in her commencement speech on May 24, before urging her fellow graduates “to succeed wherever you go and in whatever you do. Work hard, hit the books every once in a while, but most importantly, don’t forget to have fun.”

Incorporating that advice, Salutatorian Ryan Schlehuber imbued his speech with a sense of humor, beginning with a deep sigh, then saying he recalled being only a few months old and depending on his parents, before turning serious and thanking the parents who “shaped who we were. Without them, we may not be sitting on this stage,” he said.

The future will contain challenges and mistakes, Schlehuber said, “but the journey is not over. In many ways, we are all just starting on a new and different and exciting adventure. I encourage you to strive to make each day better than your last. Learn from the past, live in the moment, look forward to the future and cherish every moment of the journey.”

The Class of 2014 continued the Soaring Eagle tradition of excellence, with 94 percent going on to college and earning more than $6 million in college scholarships. Two percent plan to serve in the military and 2 percent will serve a religious mission.

Academically, the class had one National Merit Semi-Finalist, 33 AP Scholars, 11 AP Scholars with Honors, 12 AP Scholars with Distinction, and three National AP Scholars, while four seniors earned Academy of Sciences Distinction.

In the 2013-14 school year, the Soaring Eagle teams took region championships in debate, baseball, boys soccer, cheer, football, girls soccer, boys tennis and lacrosse. In addition, there were four state championships: debate, student newspaper, and boys tennis 1st and 3rd Singles. Also, the students netted four Academic All-State, 24 Academic All-Region and 22 All-State honors.

Although the commencement ceremony was full of celebration for the seniors’ achievements, several moments recalled the death of one of their classmates, Adam Colosimo, at the end of their sophomore year. As Edwards put it, after being “scared freshmen,” they developed and “nothing could stop us. At least, that’s what we thought. The loss of one of our classmates touched us all and brought us to our lowest point, but the Class of 2014 came together. Despite all the differences among us, we became in a united front, stronger than we ever were and more determined than ever to leave a real legacy behind us.”

Part of that legacy was the establishment of the Saint Christopher Award, in honor of Adam Christopher Colosimo, to be presented to a student “who exhibits many of the wonderful characteristics for which Adam was known, admired and loved. … [and] who contributed significantly to the spirit of the school through academic excellence, community involvement, extracurricular activities, a strong faith life and who exhibits kindness and compassion to those less fortunate,” said Dominic Colosimo, Adam Colosimo’s cousin, and a Senior Class officer.

The award was presented to Colby Harms.

The Senior Class theme was “Limitless,” because “we wanted to remind ourselves that Juan Diego is just the start of the long list of opportunities and possibilities and, through the grace of God, these possibilities will be endless throughout our lives,” Dominic Colosimo explained. “Our class has endured more than our share of injury, illness and loss. The goal for our senior year was to find a theme that would lift our spirits and remind us that with God by our side all things were possible; that his love is limitless. … God also endowed our class with a great spirit that often manifested itself in a world without end of humor, good cheer and fun that served as a much-needed counterweight to tragedy and loss.  … We have been a class of limitless humor, and that has made all the difference.”

In his comments at the commencement ceremonies, the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, said he was grateful to the Class of 2014 for how they have, over the past four years, reflected Gospel values and represented the Catholic Church in Utah through their accomplishments and who they are.

“God always forgives us, and God always loves us,” Bishop Wester added. “That’s the message that we’re asking you now, our graduates, to continue to live and to proclaim to our world in the future, and for that, I am grateful.”