On Thursday, May 25, four students had the privilege of being graduates of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor.
Principal Heidi Altman welcomed the audience with scripture, and reflected on her oversight of St. Mary’s.
“I have had many, many plans for the school this year…Plans for every single function of the school year,” she said. “I mean, I am the head of school, right? No…Our Lord is the head of this school.”
Faculty member Andrew Kinney, rising into the upper school headmaster role for next year, introduced the salutatorian Daniel Vincent.
Vincent strongly spoke to the crowd with thanks to those who contributed to his success.
“Thank you faculty and family, fellow students and fellow graduates,” he said. “It is truly a privilege and honor to stand before you today as the salutatorian of the St. Mary’s graduating class of 2023.”
Vincent recalled when he first came to St. Mary’s. Secularism had a huge effect on his education, but that all changed when he attended St. Mary’s and took part in its joyfully catholic classical education.
“I have a new found respect for classical education.” He then broke the formal tone with a light-hearted reference. “To quote the great Yeezus, who stretched the English language and revolutionized literature… as we know it. Of course, you all know who I’m talking about, Mr. Kanye West. ‘Everything I am not, made me everything I am.’” When Vincent first attended he would try new things but fail again and again.
“A classical education helped me create appreciation…An education that takes our weaknesses and forms them into strengths. That is the beauty of St. Mary’s education,” Vincent said.
Vincent received four awards, including the Second Honors Distinction, salutatorian, G.K. Chesterton and Felfe Family Scholarship.
Director of Student Life Patrick Heyl presented the G.K Chesterton award to the senior who exemplified charity and joy.
“From the time I met him two and a half years ago, I was blown away by the joy and positive energy, enthusiasm to Socratic discussion and continual heart of service exemplified in so many ways,” Heyl said.
Ryan Altman was named valedictorian and received the Felfe Family Scholarship.
After the distribution of gifts and diplomas, Ryan stood before the congregation to give his valedictorian address.
“I did not accomplish my four years of high school all by myself,” he said thanking his parents, family, friends, coaches and teachers.
“I would like to thank the staff of my two different high schools for making my learning experience possible…And coach Cobia and Zimmerhanzel for organizing and (basically teaching) every high school sport.” Ryan said he chose to take the harder roads to move ahead in life, which isn’t always easy.
“For all my life, I have tried not to settle for what is easy. But to embrace challenges and get stronger by god. That has led to my being here today,” he said.
He talked of strong life lessons and encouraged everyone to work for what they want most in life rather than waiting for that desire to be handed to them easily.
“Nothing will be handed to you on a golden platter. There is no obstacle you cannot overcome, you cannot expect the world to conform to your wants and needs,” the valedictorian said. “You must take it on yourself, and with the help of all those important to you, you must decide whether you want to succeed.”
The ceremony ended with one more gift to the graduates, two Christian books for their college bookcases.
Songs, prayers and a short benediction by Father John Kim closed out the event. The four graduates and faculty members walked down the aisle with hands in prayer, walking into the next chapter of their lives.
