Catholic high school seniors graduate: St. Joseph CHS

Friday, May. 29, 2015

OGDEN — The 29 graduates in the 2015 Class at Saint Joseph Catholic High School learned valuable advice during their commencement ceremony held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church May 22. 

Shane Reinhard, English teacher, in his keynote address advised the graduates to be courageous, show compassion and contemplate as they start their lives after high school and begin to make an impact on the world.

This is a difficult process, Reinhard said. “Be honest with yourself and commit to things that are a priority in your life and don’t overdo it,” he said. “Try new things, and set your priorities before you become overworked.” 

Compassion can change the world, Reinhard said, but contemplation also is needed.  “When you’re finished on one path, reflect and find another path that has value because true victory is found in knowing you can conquer all obstacles.” 

Archbishop John C. Wester, administrator of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, told the graduates life is about stability and change. He referred to T.S. Eliot’s quote, “We shall not cease from exploration,” adding, “We need that starting point to give us courage, strength and inspiration – home that protects us. St. Joseph has been that starting place, but you must go and explore, enter your journey in life. But you will come back again. God is love; your starting place is with God. … My prayer for you graduates is that you always remember your starting place; that will give you courage to keep exploring and keep going in life.” 

Patrick Lambert, SJCHS principal, mentioned a study of thousands of retirement community residents who were asked what they would do differently if they could do it all over again.  The residents answered they would have reflected more, taken more risks and gotten behind a cause, Lambert said. He then encouraged the graduates to take the time to reflect on their decisions and listen to their inner voice, to make time for silent contemplation, take more risks and allow themselves to be vulnerable.

“Regret is a tough pill to swallow,” he said. “Get behind a cause and make the community better by being a part of it.” 

All the SJCHS seniors are graduating and will attend college; most have received grants or scholarships, which totaled $3.1 million, said Joanna Wheelton, St. Joseph Catholic Schools president, adding that the  2014 AP results were also extraordinary. The pass rates were 92 percent in AP literature, 95 percent in AP Spanish, and 100 percent in AP chemistry, statistics, art studio, U.S. history and calculus.

Class of 2015 Salutatorian Mady White, who excelled in sports throughout her four years at SJCHS, joked with her classmates about bringing sports into her speech. 

“Over the last four years we came together as a class, a team, and behind all great teams are great coaches and leaders,” she said, as she thanked the teachers, Lambert, and parents for being lifetime coaches.

She compared their freshman year to being blindsided and knocked backward about 10 yards, sophomore year to a NASCAR race, junior year to a cross country meet and senior year to their last performance on the field or court with their best friends; the last of their high school career together, she said.

“High school was like Super Bowl Sunday; we all came for different purposes, but in the end we came together for a common goal – to be educated and learn, and in the process we made friendships and memories that will last forever. … We are family, a team, and tonight our team has earned the championship,” she said. 

Valedictorian Aimee Seale also noted the unforgettable experiences and friendships the SJCHS graduates will take with them, although she said there is one thing she is happy to leave behind – the white-and-green school uniform. 

“We’ve had a love-hate relationship with St. Joe’s uniforms. It’s been difficult to appreciate the simplicity of the school uniform … We had enough to think about with the challenging classes we all struggled through,” she said. “As we transition to the next step in our lives, not everything will be laid out for us as simply as a school uniform. … Take some chances,” she urged her classmates. “Find your individuality.”