Juan Diego Catholic High School

Intermountain Catholic

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Part of the Juan Diego Catholic High School graduating class of 2009 stands proudly as other seniors receive their diplomas. The class earned $7.1 million worth of scholarships.

DRAPER — The Juan Diego Catholic High School seniors gathered for their final prayer as a class and placed roses at the foot of the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe before processing to their school auditorium to give start to their commencement exercises May 23.

When dried, the rose petals will be waxed and mixed into a class candle that will burn for the first time when the graduates return in ten years to celebrate their reunion at the class Mass. During their Baccalaureate Mass in the Cathedral, the seniors carried letters that they wrote to themselves about their experience at Juan Diego. The letters will be archived and returned to the students on their ten-year reunion.

"Seniors, before we proceed with today’s events, and you leave Juan Diego for the final time, we hope that these remembrances will keep you connected to the Juan Diego community and the lessons that we tried to teach in and out of the classroom," said Doctor Galey Colosimo, principal.

The Class of 2009 will be remembered for their many achievements in academics, sports, performing arts, and service, said Dr. Colosimo.

The school’s motto is Spiritus Donorum, or Spirit of Giving, and although children at the local and international levels might benefit from the generous efforts of students at Juan Diego, the main beneficiaries are the students themselves.

"I was one of the runts of the Juan Diego crowd with an underdeveloped base of friends, little interest in any of the school clubs, and a languishing idea of what it meant to be involved," said Philip Joseph Maresca during his valedictorian address.

"Most of you who know me will probably say, ‘Oh, no. He is up here to talk about the benefits of staying in school and working hard.’ I am not up here to transform you. I am up here to accept that you have transformed me and will transform the world," said Maresca.

"As a class, I have seen us mentally mature to a point where we put academics into the context of our future, not into that of our present… The leadership of the school has not been commandeering. It has been contagious. Here under the banner of ‘Spiritus Donorum,’ we have been provided with a nest for our talents to grow and develop. Now it is time to bring this view of servant-leadership to cities and countries across the world in all foreign places and in all places where it is foreign. Now it is time to soar!" he said.

In her Salutatorian address, Kaitlyn Holyfield encouraged her classmates to continue using their talents and to accomplish outstanding things.

"I would like to conclude today with a quote that has been displayed in my house since I started at Juan Diego. It has come to mean a lot to me, and I think it has some excellent advice: ‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask our selves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.’ As we go out into the world, let us all continue to let our lights shine and become the brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous people we are meant to be," said Holyfield.

The presentation of honors to members of the school community followed the valedictorian and salutatorian addresses. The most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, and Dr. Colosimo presented each honoree with their award decree and medallion.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Award winner was Maresca, for his "love of learning, excellent academic record, classroom participation, and rigorous self-discipline."

The St. Teresa of Avila award winner was Deena McCarry.

"The symbol of St. Teresa of Avila is a heart, an arrow, and a book – too bad the Church didn’t also include a pair of swim goggles because then St. Teresa and Deena would be the same," said Dr. Colosimo.

"Deena came to Juan Diego after a corrective heart procedure that she overcame by becoming one of the finest swimmers this school has ever had. Like St. Teresa, her love of learning finds her regularly in the hallways, on the team bus to swim meets, and in the commons with not just one book, but many books, in hand. And like Teresa’s arrow, her determination to do well in all that she does… drives her straight and decisive path toward reaching her goals," he said.

The St. Cecilia Award, which recognizes the student who has inspired others by a love of the performing or visual arts, went to Rachel McGarry.

"Mr. Pay, her drama teacher and coach said that ‘Rachel is what we call a triple threat in the world of drama – She can dance, act, and of course, sing!’… Beyond the stage, Rachel has proven that she is a true Renaissance student who is not one-dimensional," said Dr. Colosimo.

The St. Sebastian Award, which recognized the senior student who has demonstrated a Christian spirit in conduct on and off the playing fields and courts, went to JamieMarkosian.

"Father Dave Van Massenhove, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish and a certified expert in defensive line play, said this about Jamie, ‘I was impressed with Jamie as a football player. He is good, very good… He would come barreling-in, knock down an opposing runner, jump to his feet, and after, and extend a hand to help up the opposition who he had just smashed to the ground. His passion for the game was evident and extraordinary, his sportsmanship and character, every bit as great,’" said Dr. Colosimo.

The St. Michael the Archangel Award recognizes the faculty or staff member in the school who, through a life of service, a generous heart, a creative spirit, good will, exceptional fidelity, and lasting commitment, has contributed significantly to the mission of the school. This year’s recipient was Paul Rainaldi.

"He has helped to provide a steady and quiet support that is the epitome of the old Christian phrase: ‘Preach the Gospel, and if you have to, use words,’" said Dr. Colosimo.

The Spiritus Donorum Honor recognizes community supporters who have offered time, talent, and resources on behalf of Catholic education. This year’s honorees were Marianne Rosahegyi and Elmer Downs.

John Colosimo, viceprincipal, introduced the 192 members of the Class of 2009 as Dr. Colosimo and Sister Catherine Kamphaus, superintendent of Catholic Schools of the diocese, conferred the diplomas.

Then, Bishop Wester gave his congratulatory remarks and his blessing.

The commencement ceremony was broadcasted live on the school’s web site for the student’s family members and friends who were not able to attend.