CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO
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Congratulations to our Class of 2021 on your distinguished accomplishments and many blessings for your future! Throughout history, Central Catholic has earned renown as an academic and spiritual leader in values-based education. As a result, through seven generations of graduates, Central Catholic has provided the community with men achieving what is truly good in their roles as citizens. Graduates include doctors, teachers, priests and deacons, businessmen, entrepreneurs, engineers, lawyers, military and political leaders. Now, in its third century of Christian service, Central Catholic High School’s alumni, students and religious, clerical and lay leadership are building on the past to bring about a new era of academic achievement and unprecedented physical development.
Create Your Legacy Here Accepting incoming freshman and transfer student applications now! Learn more and schedule a tour: www.cchs-satx.org/begintoday/ www.cchs-satx.org │ 1403 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78215 │ 210-225-6794
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TODAY’S CATHOLIC Established 1892 2718 W. Woodlawn Ave. San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 734-1690 • Fax: (210) 734-2939 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
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Contents 4. Prepare Your Student for Financial Success 5. Antonian College Preparatory High School 8. Central Catholic High School 10. The Best Grad Gifts 11. Holy Cross of San Antonio 12. A College Freshman Survival Guide 15. Incarnate Word High School 20. Vlog your Important Events This Year 18. Our Lady of Hills Regional College Prep, Kerrville 22. Providence Catholic School
Graduation Do's and Don'ts
24. What Are My Choices 25. Financing Your Future 26. St. Anthony Catholic High School 27. St. Gerard High School 29. St. John Paul II Catholic High School
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Prepare Your Student for
FINANCIAL SUCCESS
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ife after graduation is something that all high school students routinely fantasize about. While they may be thinking about all the fantastic college parties they will attend, it is your duty to make them think about the financial milestones they are about to experience. According to a study by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research, "most students devote about one-half or more of their earnings to discretionary spending on relatively short-term wants and needs." Aside from reckless and impulsive spending, the main danger your young adult will face during their college years is aggressive marketing from credit card companies. It is no secret that many major credit card companies deliberately target the
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young and financially inexperienced. If your teenager is planning to apply for a credit card, teach them to avoid debt by never charging what you can't pay back within a month. During this age range, escalate the monetary value of their savings goal. Have them draw up a budget for any recurring funds they may receive. Prepaid debit cards are an excellent way to prepare teens for the "real world" - overdrafts are typically not allowed, you can add funds electronically, and many companies provide online budgeting resources to help track spending. Once your kids turn 18, you will lose a great deal of control over their spending habits. By planting the seeds of smart money management early in their lives, you are directly
influencing the success of their future. Even if you have subpar financial skills, it is never too late to learn and pass the knowledge on to your offspring. The key concept to remember is that you must spend less than you earn to avoid financial hardships. Everything else will eventually fall under that umbrella. Teaching your children about saving, avoiding debt and planning for contingencies will set them well on their way to a life of financial happiness.
Antonian
Principal: Tim Petersen
College Preparatory High School
Baccalaureate Mass: Friday, May 28 at 9 a.m. — Ferrara Stadium, Antonian College Preparatory High School. Commencement: Friday, May 28 at 8:00 p.m. — Ferrara Stadium, Antonian College Preparatory High School. (Event will be ticketed)
Going Above and Beyond for Our Students This past year has presented many challenges throughout the nation and in Catholic education as educators, students, and families continue to manage the ever-changing scope of a virus unlike any other we have seen in our lifetime. School administrators and teachers have continued to work hard to provide the highest quality education to students both remotely and in-person. Throughout this school year, our faculty and staff continue to engage in countless hours of professional development and continue to go above and beyond to demonstrate the care and concern for our students,
pouring countless hours into the academic and emotional success of our students. In wanting to provide some sense of normalcy in a truly abnormal time, we continue to engage our students in daily prayer, weekly Mass, a variety of school events and provide opportunities for our students to continue to be a part of our amazing community in the safest ways possible. As we look forward to what the future holds, we are reminded of the caring and loving community we are blessed to have and of the environment we provide our students and their families. This is truly a reminder of why Catholic education is so important. ✪
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*ENTRY IS TICKETED
Central Catholic High School
Interim President: Jason Longoria Principal: Stephen Walswick
Baccalaureate Mass: Thursday, May 27 at 7:15 p.m. — Bob Benson ’66 Stadium Commencement Ceremony: Thursday, May 27 at 8:30 p.m. — Bob Benson ’66 Stadium
Create YOUR Legacy at Central Catholic Written by Albert Joe “AJ” Wylie ‘22
Nearly two centuries of history holds a lot of weight. Central Catholic, founded in 1852, has seen a war that split a nation and two that forever changed the fabric of global communication and development. We now find ourselves on the road to recovery from a devastating pandemic, but through all, Central Catholic has persisted. And not only has Central persisted, but it has excelled in producing strong men to carry their values of faith and service into an un uncertain future. From the moment a young man steps foot into Central’s hallowed halls, he is met with constant reminders to strive for both academic and personal excellence
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Goldbeck Co.
from both faculty and their environment. Upperclassmen are eager to mentor freshmen, serving as their “Big Brothers” and helping them navigate their new environment; pep rallies and football games provide excellent opportunities for students to express their rowdiness and support their peers; and daily Mass and Confession allow students to express their faith every day before school, guiding them through a faith-filled day. With all these opportunities in place from the first day of your son’s freshman year, Central will set him up for success as it has for so many other distinguished alumni in our generous Central Catholic community. Above all, Central Catholic’s rigorous curriculum aims to ask the simple question: “What will your legacy be?” In having such a stellar legacy itself, Central invites your son to discover his as it has led me to discover mine. ✪
One Degree Can Change Everything AT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSIT Y
When students choose St. Mary’s, they benefit from the Marianist values of community and stewardship. We are one community striving for the common good. Together, we create life-changing opportunities that can improve the world. It only takes one University to make learners for life. It only takes one student tobegin this journey. It’s one degree that changes everything.
The Catholic and Marianist University www.stmarytx.edu
The best grad gifts
Graduating from high school is a pivotal moment in anyone's life. Whether the graduate is continuing with their education or moving out on their own, they're ready to begin a new life. When it comes to buying a present, the key is to find a happy medium between utilitarian and whimsy. Consider these options when picking up a gift for your recent grad.
A Bag of Quarters
Ah, the joys of doing your own laundry. A bag of quarters and some laundry detergent will keep your grad in clean clothes for a while.
Gas Card
Keep them coming home to visit with a bit of money on a gas card!
A Tool Box
This gift may sound a bit too pragmatic, but that's where the charm of it kicks in.The truth of the matter is that most up-and-coming college students (or young adults moving out on their own) don't have access to a good set of tools to assemble furniture and hang pictures and decorate.
Netbook Computer
In today's high-tech world, it's absolutely imperative to have access to the internet. Instead of spending lots of cash on a laptop, opt for a netbook, a smaller, less expensive version that works just as well and is a cinch to carry around.
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Holy Cross of San Antonio
Principal: Dr. Rene Escobedo, Ed.D. Baccalaureate Mass: Tuesday, May 25 at 7 p.m. — The Holy Cross Convocation Center Commencement: Wednesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. — Wheatley Heights
Spirit of Resilience Is Alive And Well! Any educator will admit that every graduating class has its specific qualities and overarching attributes. This is to say that some classes may be much more social justice minded, while others are strong academically, and still, others tend to be so very steeped with athletic talent that it is hard to stop their success. The Holy Cross Class of 2021 is no different. If we were to ascribe a specific attribute to these young adults, it would be that of resilience. To their credit, they have demonstrated the one overarching quality of what makes a Holy Cross education so crucial. From the very beginning, when Father Basile Moreau began educating street children in post-revolutionary France, the very spirit of Holy Cross schools and their pupils revolved around being the best person one can be despite less than ideal circumstances. During this school year, with all the trials and circumstances that all of us faced, the class of 2021 demonstrated that the Holy Cross spirit of resilience is alive and well! As the pandemic began, most schools considered reducing school activities, but Holy Cross kept every one of our sports teams and extracurricular activities in place. Understanding that these opportunities to engage in community would be the catalysts that would hold the Holy Cross family together, we went full steam ahead with our extracurricular program-
ming. With the strong leadership of our seniors, our community responded with active participation. Our 272 Knights (sixth through twelfth graders) not only fielded our usual array of athletic teams but excelled in every measure — that is to say that each team successfully competed in the TAPPS 4A playoff structure. This especially true of our renowned cheer team that not only won their 14th NCA National Championship but also took first place at the TAPPS 4A State Competition during their very first year competing in any TAPPS event! In addition to athletics, Holy Cross implemented “Knight” Days” on Fridays. These days allowed our academic clubs and extracurricular groups to meet without a time constraint and club sponsors to facilitate both online and in-person meetings to make sure that community could be felt by all involved. These Knight Days helped our Theatre Troupe participate in the TAPPS 4A Virtual One-Act Play as well as allow them to organize productions both at Christmas and this upcoming May; DASA (Debate Arts, Speech and Academics) Team to take third place in the state for Lincoln Douglas Debate and enter in the largest amount of entries into the TAPPS 4A Art State Competition (still awaiting results as of the writing of this article). Other clubs, such as the Holy Cross Rock Club, were fan-
Bravo Knights!
Father Moreau would be very proud.
tastic stress relievers as students from all grade levels could beautify our campus with their painted rocks. Again, all of this success came from a very abnormal school year. It was described to us once that this pandemic forced every industry to build a plane while it is flying in the air, and this adequately describes the way all schools dealt with this past school year. At the early stages, fear, caution, and uncertainty ruled most of our actions. However, the most impacting lesson that this pandemic taught us was that the Holy Cross community is resilient and can persevere through just about anything as long as they are given the vehicle to stay together. We are so very proud of our resilient graduating class of 2021. They helped create unified, and grace filled experiences together during a very fractured and segmented school year. Though we will miss this class very much and always hold them in our hearts, we know that they are ready for anything that will come their way. We can’t wait to hear of their successes. ✪
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A Freshman e g e l e l o d i C u G l a v i v r u S College freshman preparing to enter school for the first time have a lot to look forward to and a lot to consider. You face a list of interesting choices and critical decisions. Much of what you do over the next four or five years will have a large influence over who you become as an adult. Be Prepared to be Self Sufficient Without parents or high school teachers guiding you, many first-year college students find it difficult to meet their commitments. It is vital that college freshmen develop good habits including taking responsibility for going to class, on time, and meeting course requirements and 12
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project due dates. It means being responsible and taking responsibility for choices. If you’re not bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 8 a.m., you should opt for an afternoon class schedule. However, keep in mind that most full-time jobs are some variation of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so if you’re working you’ll have to schedule around work.
Develop Lasting Relationships and Find a Career College is the time to build those life-long friendships. Clubs or student organizations are a great place to find people with similar interests. Participation can easily form the foundation of a future career. For example, if you’re interested in a career in politics tryout for the debate team. Or run for an office in student government. If social work is your calling, join a volunteer program. Whatever your career plans, there is likely a related association or group.
However, don't focus exclusively on peers. It's important to get to know your academic adviser - the primary person who can help with class conflicts or with selecting a major – and your professors. These are the men and women who can help when things aren't clear in a class or if you need leads on future employment opportunities. Be Sure To Strike a Balance When you’re away from home for the first time you can easily fall into bad habits. That may mean eating too much fast food, not getting enough sleep or exercise, underage drinking, or any number of other problems. What are the top five obstacles to academic success? Stress, colds/flu, sleep problems, concern for friends/ family members and depression/anxiety.
Ever heard of the "freshman fifteen?" It’s really easy to pack on additional weight. You need to find the right balance between taking care of their mental, physical, and emotional health. Keep an Eye on Spending Never had a debt? Never had a credit card? Never had to worry about a budget? All that can quickly change when you’re on your own. College students are easy targets for credit card companies because most figure that if a student defaults the parents will pick up the slack. Instead, while students are busy budgeting their time, they need to make sure to budget their money wisely, too. You should avoid credit cards and only spend what you have. That may mean forgoing a favorite item, but with less debt on graduation day, it will be worth it.
Q: Considering Study Groups? A: Do It! Q: Invited to Orientation? A: Do It! Q: Campus Tour? A: Do It!
Take Advantage of All Opportunities
It is important to become involved wit campus activities, too. To avoid feelingh homesick, join a student organization club, or sports team. To meet new frie , nds you could pledge a sorority or fraternity. , Through these types of opportunities, you’ll make new friends quickly.
College is about learning, not just from books, from new friends and the overall experience. This requires you to put in the effort. For the uninitiated, - those college students just starting out - that means being prepared and utilizing these five guidelines. CELEBRATE GRADUATION
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Congratulations
The University of the Incarnate Word is proud to announce the graduation of the inaugural 2021 class from the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine
uiw.edu/som
Incarnate Word High School Principal: Dr. Anna Downey Baccalaureate Mass: Thursday, May 27 at 6 p.m. Commencement following Mass — Incarnate Word High School Field.
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Randi June Photography, @randijunephoto
Our Lady of the Hills Regional College Prep, Kerrville
THIS ISN'T JUST HIGH SCHOOLIT'S A JUMP START TO THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
Principal: Thérèse Schwarz Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement: Friday, May 21 at 7 p.m. — Notre Dame Catholic Church, Kerrville.
4 DAY SCHOOL WEEK SMALL CLASS SIZES, 8:1 TEACHER STUDENT RATIO 100% GRADUATION RATE. 100% ACCEPTANCE INTO COLLEGE OF CHOICE.
CONGRATULATIONS
Graduates!
411 S.W. 24th Street | San Antonio, Texas | ollusa.edu
Vlog Your Important Events This Year
Photos are great at capturing the moment, but how much do you really miss behind-thescenes of a still picture? Vlogging, aka video blogging, is a great way to capture every moment of your senior year and easily share it with the people who care most.
So, like, how do I get started? All you really need is a smart phone that records and stores video. This means you’re finally going to have to make some storage space on that iPhone or risk losing your videos mid-recording. You can also invest in a nice camera for high quality videos. Next you should decide what platform you want to be on. YouTube is a good/free choice if you just want to post videos. You can interact with friends and family through the comment section. With WordPress, you’ll have more tools at your disposal, and the option to post photos as well as blog posts, however, you’ll have to buy a package to host a video on this site. You can also link your YouTube videos to a blog post. Instagram, which lets you record and upload pictures, videos, and captions, is another popular vlogging platform. Lastly, try to capture as many special moments as you can, so you can look back on this time in your life. Interview your friends, play practical jokes, have a discussion with your bestie about where you think you’ll be in 10 years, and most importantly––live in the moment!
Providence Catholic School
Principal: Dr. Alicia Garcia, PhD Baccalaureate Mass: Sunday, May 30 at 8 a.m. — Glahn Gymnasium (Providence Catholic School) Commencement: Sunday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m. — Bob Benson '66 Stadium (Central Catholic High School)
Graduation ’ andDon’ts
Do s
It’s here. The night you’ve been looking forward to since, like, forever. After 4 years of high school, 13 years of learning and 18 years of living, it’s finally here. Your high school graduation. It’s not like it’s a big deal or anything. And, in an effort to make your evening as perfect as possible, we wanted to offer you a few helpful dos and don’ts to keep in mind while wearing the cap and gown.
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Don’t drink or do anything that will
alter your attitude, your behavior and your ability to remember every moment of your amazing night.
Do take pictures. Lots of them. Take them with mom, dad, your sibs, your grandparents, your BFFs and whoever else is willing to stand next to you and mug for the camera. You’ll be glad to have them.
Don’t be late. The last thing you
need is a tear in your gown from where you tripped after trying to sprint across the parking lot in a flowy garment.
Do wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet a lot that day and presumably, at some point, you’ll be walking across a stage with all eyes on you. And you don’t want to recreate Jennifer Lawrence’s famous fall at the 2013 Oscars. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Bad hair
day? A pimple? A broken nail? It’s all small stuff that you likely won’t even remember in the future. Just remember, right after Jennifer Lawrence fell on the stairs, she was handed an Academy Award.
Providence Students Take A Different Approach To Learning During A Pandemic By Belia Gonzalez McDonald ‘88, Internship Teacher, Alumnae Director Students at Providence Catholic School have an opportunity to apply for a year-long internship program during their senior year. Students are placed at companies, firms, and organizations throughout the San Antonio area to learn firsthand about the day to day operations of the field in which they are interested in pursuing. They also participate in the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) mentoring program, where they learn to create a solid business plan and can compete for scholarships. This school year, the pandemic forced changes to the program. The students and their teacher worked together to create experiences beneficial for students about to enter college. Guest speakers including alumnae and community leaders, discussed their career journeys. Each speaker became an amazing resource as they spoke about ups and downs and complete career changes in their lives. After each of the over fifteen class speakers, the students completed reflections and really thought about how their lives could benefit from the lessons the speaker taught. Some examples include: “I learned that I should learn about how I can serve my community in different ways as an adult.” “She spoke to me on a personal level, to the point where I almost cried.” “It’s okay
to change and find different interests, but be yourself and do what you love.” “I enjoyed how she talked about how Providence shaped her.” Students also discussed content related to college and career success such as career planning, mock interviews, workplace etiquette, scholarship searches, financial aid, living on a college budget, safety on campus, Clery Act-campus crime reports, and living with a roommate. Due to COVID-19 limitations, students were placed in virtual and or hybrid internship opportunities. Some examples include: San Antonio Football Club/Spurs Sports, Mogas Architectural Firm, KFW Engineering Firm, a design firm, a psychologists office, an ambulatory service, Eagle Veterinary Hospital, and Live from the Southside — a local magazine. Students are slowly able to get more in-person time at their internships, but the experiences gained thus far have been invaluable. Says Mrs. Gonzalez McDonald ‘88, internship coordinator, “These amazing senior women have proven how resilient they are during this pandemic. I am so proud of the way they advocated for and were involved in their own education to make this class a real part of their overall learning experience.” ✪
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What are my choices? Your high school graduation will be the beginning of your adult life. Planning your future is important and the decisions you make now can help you be successful in the future. What will be your next step?
1. Get A Job.
Your high school diploma qualifies you for some entry-level jobs. Ask your family, friends or school counselor about opportunities in your community. Increasingly, jobs require some education or training after high school. Those jobs that don’t require education or training usually offer low wages.
2. Learn A Trade.
Increasing your skills will make you an attractive job candidate for the rest of your life. On-the-job training programs, apprenticeships, vocational and technical schools as well as community and junior colleges can help you gain new skills. With the right training, you could qualify for some of the fastestgrowing careers in today’s market.
3. Go To College.
A college education increases your knowledge and sharpens your reasoning skills. You can concentrate your studies in your area of interest. You will learn more about your favorite subjects. In college, you will have the opportunity to meet new people and expand your horizons. A college degree is required for most higher-level and better paying jobs.
The Interview A PERSONAL INTERVIEW ALLOWS AN EMPLOYER OR SCHOOL ADMISSIONS OFFICER TO GET TO KNOW YOU. ALSO, IT IS A CHANCE FOR YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EMPLOYER OR SCHOOL PROGRAM. IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE WELL-PREPARED FOR AN INTERVIEW. THAT MEANS DRESSING PROFESSIONALLY, ARRIVING IN A TIMELY MANNER AND ANSWERING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS APPROPRIATELY. FOLLOWING ARE SOME COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS. HOW WILL YOU ANSWER THEM? ❶ Tell me a little about yourself.
❷ What were your favorite subjects in school? Why?
My preferred career choice after high school would be:
❸ What extracurricular activities were important to you in high school?
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❹ Why did you apply for this job (or to this school/program)?
❺ What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
❻ What would you say is your greatest accomplishment so far?
❼ What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
❽ Tell me about your last job (or school).
❾ What skills have you gained in high school? If you’ve had a job, what skills have you gained on the job?
Financing Your Future You can save on future college costs while you’re still in high school. If you score well on advanced placement tests, you may qualify for college credit before you even start.Advance placement tests allow students to get a jump start toward a college degree. Research can save you a lot of money. Find several schools with strong academic programs in your interest areas. Then compare their tuition costs. The less expensive schools may have just as much to offer. Aggressively look for scholarships. Ask your counselors, teachers, family, friends and professionals in your community for suggestions. Many students never realize the great amount of money available. You may find a scholarship through a minority program, a local alumni chapter, a corporation or even a non-profit group.The time you spend researching can really pay off. Save your money. Start putting away money whenever you can. Save any money you make from after school jobs or working during the summer to help pay some of your college costs. Remember, your education will help you for the rest of your life.You are investing in your future. Speak with your family about money. In addition to your immediate family, many students have grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles that help them pay for some of their college expenses. Plan a college strategy. You could take your initial college courses at a community college or state university, and later transfer to another school. One note of precaution: not all colleges and universities accept credits from other schools. Most students receive some form of financial aid. Work closely with the financial aid office at the college of your choice. Don’t reject a college if you think the tuition cost is too high.You may be able to afford even the most expensive school with financial aid. But remember you will have to pay back any and all loans you obtain after you graduate. Get a job while attending school. Many students work their way through college. Most colleges offer employment to students on campus. If your finances are really tight, consider going to school part-time while you are working.
INTERNET RESOURCES
www.collegeboard.com/student/pay www.2ed.gov/parents/collegepay/edpicks.jhtml CELEBRATE GRADUATION www.fastweb.com
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St. Anthony
Catholic High School Principal: Dr. Kristina Vidaurri Baccalaureate Mass: Friday, May 21 at 6 p.m. — SACHS Chapel Commencement: Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. — UIW Convocation Center
God Bless the Yellow Jacket Class of 2021 We are proud to present the extraordinary class of 2021 at St. Anthony Catholic High School. The outstanding Yellow Jacket graduates have remarkable post-graduation plans as they have been admitted to Notre Dame, University of Incarnate Word, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at San Antonio, Ohio State University, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, St. Edward’s University and many other notable colleges. They have persevered through a year and half of a pandemic and finished Yellow Jacket STRONG. We are excited to see all that God has in store for this incredible class of graduates. May God bless the Yellow Jacket Class of 2021.
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St. Gerard Graduates Impact the World for Jesus Christ
St. Gerard
Open to all faiths, St. Gerard Catholic School, an Early College sixth-12th campus, follows the Catholic faith under the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Our Royals are equipped with the ability, will, and desire to passionately impact the world for Jesus Christ through knowledge, faith, and service.
Catholic High School Principal: Oscar Garza Baccalaureate Mass: Friday, May 21 at 5 p.m. — St. Gerard Catholic Church, 1617 Iowa St. Ceremony with the Presentation of Diplomas will follow at 6:30 p.m. Commencement guest speaker: Frank Garza, Class of 1979, Partner with the Law Firm of Davidson, Troilo, Ream & Garza
Congratulations Seniors!!! We want to wish you the BEST as you begin a new chapter in your life. May the Lord bless you with courage and endurance to thrive towards your dreams. The future is wide open, with many opportunities now waiting for you. Congratulations on your great success. May God's love and guidance be with you always.
St. Gerard has been in existence since 1927, graduating students who have gone on to serve in religious life, the medical profession, local and state politics, social services, law enforcement, the field of labor relations and the business world at large. ✪
St. Gerard Catholic High School ~ Home of the Royals ~ congratulates the Class of 2021:
★ CRISTIAN MESQUITI , VALEDICTORIAN ★ TESSA CANTU, SALUTATORIAN ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Christofer Pfeiffer Danielle Brown Natalie Villasana Alexandria Rodriguez Samantha Lugo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Cyan Martinez-Downs Olivia Cardenas Tessa Cantu Cristian Mesquiti Jeanessa Balderas
★ Jasmin Rodriguez ★ Angelee Suarez ★ Sebastian Aguilar
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St. John Paul II Catholic High School
Principal: Andrew Iliff Baccalaureate Mass: Sunday, May 23 at 1:30 p.m. — New Braunfels Civic Center. Commencement Exercises follow.
Through It All, Capital Improvements Continue at St. John Paul II High School All of us — schools, families, parishes -- continue to experience an unprecedented year, and look to the summer and the next school year with a great deal of hope. Through it all, the St. John Paul II Catholic High School Community has been able to keep pace with a number of capital improvements, in academics, in faith, and in athletics. “These projects are all important, but let’s first remember what went on in our classrooms this year,” commented Andrew Iliff, principal of the school. “We created a plan to get kids in classrooms from the start, and we were able to have a full in-person, full student body school year. Our teachers, staff, coaches, and parents showed great courage, and our students and families followed the protocols set. We are so proud of our community’s response to these great challenges,” added Mr. Iliff, who is now in his
13th year at SJPII and 25th year of service in the Archdiocese. “The Holy Spirit is active here, and we know how blessed we are.” Pre-pandemic, in October 2019, the school opened up a newly renovated state of the art STEM wing, serving students in chemistry, physics, engineering, robotics, and technology. The Stevenson STEM Advancement Wing is a significant long-term investment in forming future scientists, engineers, and medical professionals. “And, again, it’s not just the physical spaces, just this year alone, we are adding five more science courses. We are putting the spaces to great use.” In the midst of the Summer of 2020, the school was also quietly designing and completing a very special renovation for the school community. “This renovation of our most sacred space, our Guardian Chapel, was made possible by two very special families who wanted to see this
happen now, regardless of the challenges of the moment,” said Kim Lehmann Gonzalez, Director of Advancement at SJPII. “They felt strongly, and we agreed, that this was precisely the time to invest in this sacred space.” This timely renovation also allowed us to continue to have in-person weekly Masses while following distancing and safety guidelines. And finally, as we moved to the end of a very successful school year for both our students and faculty, we had the pleasure of breaking ground on our most significant campus improvement to date, our new Gymnasium. We were blessed to have a beautiful ceremony on March 16, 2021. Mrs. Lehmann Gonzalez added, “We are most proud that through such a challenging year, our community has continued to move courageously and boldly into the future, the true spirit of our school year theme: Rise and Thrive!” ✪
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Congratulations to all the Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic school graduates! May god's blessings guide you to accomplish your goals throughout the coming years.
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