This group of ECCHS graduates celebrate following the school’s annual commencement program held Sunday afternoon.

By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff

The seventy-one seniors of Elk County Catholic High School  became the graduating Class of 2008 on Sunday during the school’s annual commencement program.

Prior to the afternoon commencement program students and their families gathered for a Baccalaureate Mass and reception.

The Most Reverend Donald W. Trautman, Bishop of Erie, was one of the three diocesan officials present at the Mass, including Rev. Monsignor Charles A. Kaza, Episcopal Vicar and Rev. Nicholas Rouch, Vicar of Education. In addition several local pastors were also in attendance including Rev. Michael Ferrick of Queen of the World, Rev. John Kuzilla of St. Boniface, Rev. Meinrad Lawson, O.S.B., of St. Marys, Rev. Theodore Marconi of St. Leo’s, Rev. Paul Siebert of St. Mark’s in Emporium, Rev. Thomas Tyler of St. Joseph’s in Force, Rev. Eric Vogt, O.S.B. of Sacred Heart and Rev. David Wilson of Holy Rosary.

Following the student processional into the auditorium to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the ECC Band, the ceremony began with a prayer led by Rev. David Perry, ECC campus minister, and the playing of the National Anthem.

Logan Haberberger, class president, welcomed all in attendance and introduced student speakers Emily Riddle, salutatorian and Stephanie Schwabenbauer, valedictorian.

Riddle began her speech by describing a recent article she read in Runner’s World Magazine about the athletic achievements of elderly individuals.

 “Don’t use your age as an excuse not to do something,” Riddle noted.

Next Riddle described what it was like to grow up in the 1990’s, referring to many pop culture references as to what was popular during the graduating class’s younger years. Slinky’s, razor skooters, Power Rangers, Rugrats and Doug cartoon series, outdoor games such as dodgeball and dungeons and dragons, the use of the word “not” after every sentence and various other amusing items completed the list, much to the amusement of the audience.

“We come from a little town filled with close bonds and strong roots,” Riddle said.

She added that growing up in Pennsylvania, with its unpredictable weather, “has prepared us to live anywhere in the world.”

“We’re very blessed to have grown up in St. Marys and I hope to be back here someday,” Riddle concluded.

During Schwabenbauer’s speech, she described the two major factors that will get someone through life, believing in themselves and never giving up on their dreams.

“You will reap the benefits of your good decisions...and learn from your mistakes. Turn disbelief of others into encouragement,” Schwabenbauer said.

She referenced a story of a boy catching his first fish with the help of  his father, as an example of accepting help from others.

“Dream as big as you can and go for it or you will spend the rest of your life saying ‘I should have, would have or could have,” Schwabenbauer said.

Next, a variety of awards for academic excellence in numerous subject areas were presented to the following students; Chelsea Frey and Ian Roberts in art, Daniel Hawkins in science, Catherine Goetz and Evan Parana in music, Kayla Bryson-Tucker in English, Marissa Housler in language, Derek Walker in mathematics, Eric Mastrogiacomo in social studies, Emily Riddle in theology, Suzanne Buck and Logan Williams in campus ministry, David Jesberger in technology, Erin Jacob in business.

Additional awards were presented to; Maura Bon and Brittany Buchheit for excellence in leadership, Amanda Sherry and Tyler Prokop for excellence in sportsmanship, Max Croteau and Andrew Simbeck for volunteer service, Julia Meier and Brock Merat for excellence as a role model and Logan Haberberger and Keil Nissel for student government services.

Several students also received special awards including; leadership awards presented to senior Stephanie Schwabenbauer-valedictorian, Emily Riddle-salutatorian, Logan Haberberger-senior class president and Catherine Goetz-Student Council president, Emily Crowe and Alan Agosti for the Principal’s Award for Effort and Commitment, Stephanie Schwabenbauer for the Bishop’s Award for Academic Excellence, Meghan Kronenwetter and David Cole for the Headmaster’s Award for Excellence in School and Community

The following students were presented with National Honor Society Merit Awards; Jenna Mahovlich, Matthew Snelick, Ranee Catalone, Dana Wingard, Elena Reed, Nicholas Wortman, Lauren Resch, Lauren Wolfe and Nikkole Fisher.

The Spirit and Essence of Elk County Catholic Awards went to Brittany Buchheit, Daniel Hawkins, Emily Riddle, David Cole, Maura Bon, David Jesberger, Meghan Kronenwetter and Kayla-Bryson Tucker.

Each student was then announced and called upon to receive their diploma along with a spiritual bouquet, which includes a mass offered in each graduates name. Presenting the diplomas were John Kowach, headmaster, Sandra Florig, principal, John Schneider, vice-principal and Aaron Straub, athletic director.

Seniors were then prompted to move their tassels signifying their official graduation. The auditorium filled with the sounds of air horns and sights of confetti and glitter. Graduates also tossed around a large “Class of 2008” beach ball.

Senior Anne Kepple was joined by Catherine Goetz on the piano as she sang a special farewell song. The graduating class then led the audience in the signing of the Alma Mater.

ECC Campus Minister Fr. David Perry then offered the closing prayer.

As the ceremony concluded the Class of 2008 once again processed out of the auditorium as the newest alumni of Elk County Catholic High School.