By Becky Polaski, Staff Writer at The Daily Press
To the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the 36 members of the Class of 2025 entered the auditorium at Elk County Catholic High School for the final time as students of the Elk County Catholic School System on Sunday afternoon. Less than an hour later, they exited to the same tune as high school graduates.
In between, they heard some final remarks from a few of their classmates, received awards, and finally, were presented with their diplomas.
The commencement ceremony got underway with an opening prayer by Fr. Kevin Holland, which was followed by the National Anthem.
Valedictorian Andrea Baron and salutatorians Cecilia Dornisch and Grace Ames all shared memories and advice for their classmates in their speeches, with Class President Aaron Lanzel introducing each before they came to the podium.
Elk County Catholic High School Assistant Principal Sarah Sherry handled the announcement of the academic awards for excellence, which were presented by Elk County Catholic School System President Sam MacDonald and Elk County Catholic High School Principal John Schneider.
“Each year, Elk County Catholic High School is pleased to give special recognition to members of the graduating class for excellence in academics and leadership achievement,” Sherry said. “The academic award winners were selected from nominations provided by the Elk County Catholic High School faculty.”
The award for highest achievement in academic excellence was presented to valedictorian Andrea Baron, salutatorian Grace Ames, and salutatorian Cecilia Dornisch.
Sherry then announced that the award for excellence in the field of art was being renamed. “We are proud and honored to announce that our award for art will be given in memory of Mr. Pete Winklbauer,” Sherry said. The Mr. Pete Wilklbauer award for excellence in the field of art was presented to Olivia Meyer.
An award for excellence in the field of business was presented to Brooke Gabler, an award for excellence in the field of English was presented to Grace Ames, an award for excellence in the field of foreign language was presented to Andrea Baron, an award for excellence in the field of mathematics was presented to Danielle Aiello, an award for excellence in the field of music was presented to Ivy Ginther, an award for excellence in the field of science was presented to Gianna Bille, an award for excellence in the field of social studies was presented to Sarah Krise, an award for excellence in the field of technology was presented to Allan Singer, an award for excellence in the field of theology was presented to William Wortman, and an award for excellence in the field of campus ministry was presented to Anna Glatt and Cecilia Dornisch.
An award for academic achievement given to graduates who have excelled academically in all subjects was presented to Alexa Chamberlin, Cecilia Dornisch, Jordan Lasko, and Joseph Toncich.
The Gold Cross Award, which is given to graduates who have consistently pursued excellence in the mission’s three facets of mind, body, and spirit, was presented to Gina Geci and Aaron Lanzel.
The Spirit and Essence of Elk County Catholic Award, which is given to members of the graduating class who have consistently demonstrated acts of Christian kindness in service to the school and community, was presented to Gerrianne Vogt and Allan Singer.
The Very Reverend Justin P. Pino presented the Bishop’s Award to Grace Ames. According to Pino, the award is given to a graduate who has excelled academically and who embodies the faith and values of Catholic school.
Finally, Schneider presented the Elk County Catholic Award for Excellence to Andrea Baron.
The presentation of diplomas by MacDonald and Schneider followed. Sherry announced the graduates, and she also explained the qualifications for the various designations of honors. According to Sherry, students graduating Summa Cum Laude achieved a quality point average of 96.5 percent or greater, while students graduating Magna Cum Laude achieved a quality point average of 93.5 percent to 96.49 percent, and students graduating Cum Laude achieved a quality point average of 92.5 to 93.49 percent.
Graduates of the Elk County Catholic High School Class of 2025 were as follows:
Danielle Aiello, Summa Cum Laude; Grace Ames, Summa Cum Laude; Andrea Baron, Summa Cum Laude; Keira Bauer; Gianna Bille, Magna Cum Laude; Benedict Cerroni; Alexa Chamberlin, Magna Cum Laude; Cecilia Dornisch, Summa Cum Laude; Riley Duffield; Abigail Eagen; Brooke Gabler, Cum Laude; Gina Geci, Magna Cum Laude; Ivy Ginther, Magna Cum Laude; Anna Glatt, Magna Cum Laude; Noah Halquist; Fengshou Jiang; Sarah Krise, Summa Cum Laude; Aaron Lanzel, Summa Cum Laude; Jordan Lasko, Magna Cum Laude; Zachary Lynch; Francis Messineo; Olivia Meyer, Magna Cum Laude; Kevin Millet III; Kevin Cong Minh Huy Nguyen, Summa Cum Laude; Lance O’Neill; Ethan Ott; Melena Piccirillo; Mya Pistner; Ashlynn Schutz; Allan Singer, Cum Laude; Kayne Smith; Joseph Toncich, Magna Cum Laude; Francie Viglione; Gerrianne Vogt; Blake Vollmer; and William Wortman, Magna Cum Laude.
Following a benediction, members of the Class of 2025 joined together to sing the alma mater before tossing their caps in the air in celebration.
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