The forecast called for cold temperatures and rain throughout the day. God had other plans for the 19 students who entered Saint Michael Parish Westside Chapel on Saturday, June 5th. The day turned out to be beautifully comfortable with bright sunny skies for friends and family members as the Class of 2021 said goodbye to JPII.
Kobe Deutscher, the class salutatorian, opened the ceremony with prepared remarks and a beautiful prayer. The class valedictorian, Joe Oczkewicz, delivered a heartfelt address that tied together fond memories and important lessons he will carrying forward to the US Air Force Academy.
Mr. Richard O’Connor, one of two original faculty who have remained on staff since the opening of JPII, gave an inspirational keynote address peppered with nuggets of science, advice about critical thinking, and the importance of God’s commitment to all of us.
Graduate awards and diplomas were handed out my Judge Carol Murphy, Chair of JPII Board of Directors, and Mrs. Therese Allin, JPII Principal.
Graduate awards included:
Joe Oczkewicz: William E. Bakse, Jr. Courageous Leadership Award
Emeline Russell: Signum Fidei Award
Anna Brown: Communitas Award
Maggie Larson: Insignis Award
Congratulations to the JPII Class of 2021! We are so proud of our graduates! Please pray that their futures are blessed with opportunities to use their God-given talents, stretching them to become who they are!
CLICK TO SEE PICTURES FROM THE GRADUATION GALLERY FOR DOWNLOAD (Thanks to photographer, Frank Currall)
WATCH THE CEREMONY BELOW
