Saint Joseph Catholic High School

Intermountain Catholic

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The Class of 2009 has completed satisfactorily the course of study prescribed for graduation from Saint Joseph Catholic High School, and is there upon awarded diplomas May 22. Class president and salutatorian Stephen Paur led the class in the Rite of Changing the Tassel.

OGDEN — "No matter how similar your journey is to that of an artist, there remains one key difference, your canvas has no boundaries," said Saint Joseph Catholic High School Salutatorian, and Class President Stephen Paur. Forty-eight seniors graduated in the Saint Joseph Class of 2009, and of those 36 received scholarships to universities and colleges in Utah and throughout the United States.

As an AP Art student, Paur compared the next chapter in the lives on which he and his fellow students are about to embark with that of an artist as they create their own personal masterpiece.

"Before a painter can begin applying the paint, he or she must gather the correct materials and tools for the project," said Paur. "We graduates are currently involved in that step. We must take what we have learned at Saint Joseph and apply all of it in a way that best allows us to reach our goals."

Paur said some have probably sketched a rough idea of what they would like to do, and this will help guide them.

"And as in all things, mistakes are a necessary part of this process," said Paur. "Fortunately, it is not too difficult to pull out the eraser, make the necessary corrections, and keep plugging along. It is our experiences that play crucial roles in inspiring the development of our own masterpieces. For a number of memorable experiences, Saint Joseph has provided us with a strong foundation on which to build, and the inspiration for our paintings.

"I wish to thank all of the parents, teachers, and staff for your advice, support, guidance, and your willingness to share with us what you have learned," said Paur. "This has been indispensable during these years.

"To those sitting in the front rows, it is an honor to be able call you my fellow graduates and it has been a privilege working and learning with all of you," said Paur. "You are an invaluable source of inspiration for me, and I look forward to seeing the masterpieces that each of you will undoubted go on to create."

"Graduates, tonight is our night," said Valedictorian Ben Cilwick. "We have worked hard for four years for this night. But before we pat ourselves on the back too much, we must first acknowledge those who helped us get to this point."

Cilwick said the students must thank their family, friends, clergy, and parents for paying their tuition, but also for their love and support they have given throughout the years.

"Let’s think of tonight as a mile marker on our road to self discovery," said Cilwick. "Because a life of self discovery and self awareness are crucial pieces. As we grow, we change, and we must know who we are, our wants and our needs, our likes and our dislikes, skills and limitations, and most importantly our personal responsibilities… Responsibility must take root in our generation. We must combat greed and selfishness that has become so rampant and caused so much strife.

"We, in this building, are among the richest people on earth," said Cilwick. "We have been given everything – an education, food, shelter, wealth – you name it, we have it. That being said, we cannot push on buying and spending without remorse. We must humble ourselves, and throw out any notion of superiority. To become true citizens of this world, we must sacrifice, simplify, and conserve so others may enjoy life as well. Remember Class of 2009, a wise amigo once said to us, erase the hate. In this spirit – peace. Let’s go out and simplify our world."

The most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, said "I know what a very precious and important moment this is for you. I was thinking as I sat here tonight, if you want to put more pazazz into the program, you could eliminate the calling of all of the names. But we will never do that because your name is very sacred to us. Your name was the name called into existence by God himself when you were first conceived.

"And it is a name you have heard throughout your career in school," said Bishop Wester. "Some of you may enter religious life or the priesthood and hear your name called again. Most of you will probably get married and hear your name uttered by someone who loves you very much. If you do choose marriage, your name will change a little bit as you are called mommy or daddy. Your name will be used again and again, until one day well into the future, God will call your name one last time into eternal life.

"You are asked in return to call people by their names with respect, love, and compassion," said Bishop Wester. "You were called to name love, and to name forgiveness, and to name all those virtues that make it possible for us to live together as brothers and sisters."