St. Joseph High School says goodbye to 10 seniors

 

The pews in St. Joseph Church were filled Friday night for St. Joseph High School’s 88th commencement ceremony.

Ten students graduated from the Catholic school, receiving 11 different scholarships among them. The small private school puts a heavy emphasis on faith in its lessons, a focal point that will help its students in the future, Senior Class President Kara Addis said.

“The Catholic education we received has provided us with the values and the knowledge to head into the world taking our talents and our faith with us,” Addis said.

Other students recalled those who inspired them to take academics seriously and strive for scholastic success.

“My grandfather always said my brain would take me places,” Shannon Litton, valedictorian, said. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for this thought of his always in the back of my head.”

The typical themes of memories made and excitement for the future were addressed as well.

“We are about to go off on our own for the first time,” Addis said. “I know a lot of us are nervous, but it’s exciting also. It’s time to spread our wings and fly.”

Litton expanded on his classmate’s thoughts, saying it would be hard to leave St. Joseph.

“This place has been so dear to me,” Litton said. “But, no matter where I go, I’ll always be a St. Joseph Flyer.”

Graduating alongside Litton and Addis were Brittany Jenkins, Nicole Dickess, Jessica Grubbs, Joseph Payton, William Byerley, Patrick O’Brien, Molly Miller and Gabrielle Ward.