Judge Memorial CHS graduates 178

Friday, Jun. 06, 2014

SALT LAKE CITY — The 89th commencement ceremony celebrated the Judge Memorial Catholic High School Class of 2014 May 31 at Abravanel Hall, with more than half of the seniors graduating with honors. 

Judge Memorial seniors were awarded $21.3 million in scholarships and renewable grants, and earned more than 21,000 community service hours. 

“Today the Judge Memorial community gathers to honor the academic achievements of the Class of 2014,” said Rick Bartman, principal. “You graduates are preparing for a world unlike any in history, and as a faculty and staff we have shared your high school journey with you. So how will you navigate this next chapter?” 

Bartman offered the graduates some advice with four truths he borrowed from the band Sidewalk Prophets: “Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope; God’s got his hand on you, so don’t live in fear; forgive and forget; and take your time and pray.” 

Salutatorian Isabel Romano recognized the seniors as having the “virtue of humility,” she said. “When I look around at these people, I feel honored to call them my classmates; I see people who have no idea how truly amazing they are, nor just how far they have come. Judge has its quirks and each person has his story, but these people are ready to dive straight into what lies ahead.” 

She promised not to give too much advice, but said, “Let’s not lose sight of ourselves; let’s join an adult running club, have that girls’ or boys’ night out and never become complacent. … May we never stop doing what we love.” 

Valedictorian Allyson Dugan advised her classmates to “get to know people because they are the ones who will give you valuable pieces of advice,” she said. “Every student in the class has taught something to another student, whether it was on the basketball court, backstage before a performance or in the classroom, and to augment that is the education our teachers have given us. We are unique because of how much we have grown together, how much we have learned from one another.” 

As the Class of 2014 leaves Judge Memorial to enter the “bigger world, I hope we all remember to pay attention to people,” said Dugan. 

The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, also congratulated the Class of 2014. 

“It is the teacher who helps shape the human soul,” he said, quoting a fellow priest. “We also give thanks to God. God always loves us, he always forgives us and he is always there for us. As you go forth now, proclaim that message to the world.” 

As the Judge Memorial graduating seniors go forth, they take with them many achievements. 

During the Baccalaureate Mass held at the Cathedral of the Madeleine May 29, Nicole Gist and Nicklaus Markham were honored with the Christ the King Award. 

Dugan also was a U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist and a National Merit honoree; and she received an award for Outstanding Scholar Participant in Activities. 

Markham also received the Outstanding Scholar-Participant in Activities award; he was the state runner up for the Poetry Out Loud competition. 

National Merit Foundation Honorees were Dugan, Anne Holt, Owain Rice, Romano, William Cisneros and Alexa Watson.

Outstanding Scholar-Participant in Activities were Dugan and Markham.

Outstanding Scholar-Participant in Athletics awards went to Sean McMinimee and Julia Wheatley.

UHSAA Most Valuable Player for the 2013 football season was awarded to Kaden Elliss, quarterback and defensive end.

Judge Memorial won the 2013 UHSAA 3A Football State Championship.

Kailie Quinn was selected as a member of the UHSAA 4A All-Star team that includes players from Bonneville, Highland, Roy, Skyline, Springville, Timpanogos, Timpview and Judge. Quinn was the All-Tribune MVP. She also received the Marjorie Pierce Award for Outstanding Female Athlete. 

Kaden Elliss received the Frank Klekas Award for Outstanding Male Athlete.  

In addition, Judge Memorial won the Region 6 championship title in girls golf, girls track and field and girls basketball.