Judge Memorial graduates 183 in the class of 2010

IC photo by Christine Young

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Judge Memorial graduating seniors applaud their parents and teachers.

SALT LAKE CITY - "Congratulations graduates," said Principal Rick Bartman to the Judge Memorial Catholic High School Class of 2010 as he welcomed them to the graduation ceremony held at Abravanel Hall May 30. "This is the 89th graduating class of Judge."

Bartman welcomed parents, the Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of Salt Lake City, Holy Cross Sisters Catherine Kamphaus and Genevra Rolf, superintendent and associate superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, respectively, and faculty.

"The class of 2010 boasts an overall gpa of 3.52, with 48 percent of this class graduating with honors," said Bartman of the 183 graduates. "Members of this class will attend 57 colleges and they have earned $14 million in scholarships."

"We come from different places, backgrounds, religious beliefs, ethnicities and we are financially diverse, but in our hearts we are all the same," Bartman continued. "The class of 2010 has taught me that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. I've learned that education doesn't mean something just to your parents, it has deep meaning to you students as well."

For many students, enrolling at Judge was a choice, he said. They drove through blizzards down Parley's Canyon in the winter, took the bus for an hour ride with many stops from Tooele, and some paid their own tuition just to attend Judge.

"My wish for the Class of 2010 is that your lives be filled with laughter, joy, successes and challenges, and with health and happiness. Do well and always remember to do good," said Bartman.

"We are grateful to our parents, teachers, coaches and counselors for all they have done for us," said senior class president Teresa Pond in her welcome. "We know that when we go forward from today's ceremony, we will take many of the lessons we have learned from you."

Co-valedictorian Maximilian Lamb said the class has come a long way since their freshman year before the great recession and their protest about a 25-cent raise on soda prices, their freshly starched uniforms and boys and girls tables. As seniors, pockets were ripped off their shirts and they broke records fitting students around a lunch table. "And to think we have to leave all of this behind...leave the safety and comfort of Judge," he said. "But the most important thing I will take away from Judge is the value of relationships, the foundation of life. That is what I believe I truly came to school to learn. My relationships...powerful friendships, have taught me it is these things that matter most in life."

Parker Mildenhall, co-valedictorian, said in three months some of the class will be leaving the state for a new corner of the U.S. "For some of us, this will be a severe reality check after a year of senior privileges and procrastination," he said.

After reminiscing about class events he has no doubt each will find his or her niche in the post-Judge world, he said. "There isn't one of us with an excuse not to rise up as a standout in the college setting....Use your innate inimitability, your god-given talents, and your experiences here at Judge to make your mark on the world."

Bishop Wester thanked the parents, saying they have shaped these graduates' human souls. In the classroom, the students have studied those things that will bring them closer to God. "They have deepened their understanding that God is relationship - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and they are called to be in relationship with God and with one another," he said.