St. Francis Xavier School honors eighth-grade graduates

Friday, Jun. 12, 2020

KEARNS — The 22 members of the St. Francis Xavier Regional School Class of 2020 were sent off in style on June 5, despite the restrictions on social distancing that are in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The graduates, clad in cap and gown, and a few members of their family gathered with some of the school’s administrators, faculty and staff in the church. Everyone present work face masks because of the pandemic.

The celebration  included the conferral of diplomas, changing of tassels and presentation of awards.

They were welcomed by the school principal, Marianne Rozsahegyi.

Father Eugenio Yarce, pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, gave the opening prayer and a homily, and conferred the diplomas.

Xochitl Juarez was the commencement speaker. Ayan Juang gave the eighth-grade reflection.

The reflections for the farewell Mass were given by Peyten Montoya and Sadie Watson.

During the celebration, the students read a dedication to their parents.

The awards follow.

 St. FrancisSt. Martin de Porres Award for Excellence in U. S. History – Katia Rodriguez-Avila

Our Lady of Lourdes Award for Excellence in English – Berkeley Whitney

St. Joseph the Worker Award for Excellence in Literature – Peyten Montoya

St. Francis Xavier Award for Excellence in Pre-Algebra – Victor Silva

St. Francis Xavier Award for Excellence in Algebra -  Berkley Whitney

Sts. Peter and Paul Award for Excellence in Science – Peyten Montoya

Knights of Columbus Award for Excellence in Religion – Berkley Whitney

The Geraldine Conti Service Award – Ayan Juang and Sharafeldin Wesaga

The Christ the King Award (exemplify the school motto “Love of God, Love of Neighbor, and Love of Self.”) – Leisandra DeVaca and Sharafeldin Wesaga

The Saint Francis Xavier Award (graduate who most nearly exemplifies the spirit of St. Francis Xavier and therefore the spirit of the Patron of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School) – Berkley Whitney