St. Marys Catholic Middle School eighth grade students descend from the St. Marys Church following the annual graduation Mass and awards ceremony held Wednesday evening. The SMCMS Class of 2008 includes 67 students.

By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff    

    On Wednesday evening 67 eighth grade students of St. Marys Catholic Middle School participated in a graduation ceremony marking the beginning of their high school career.

Celebrating the graduation ceremony at a special Mass held at St. Marys Church were area priests including Rev. Meinrad Lawson, OSB, pastor St. Marys Church; Rev. Eric Vogt, OSB, pastor of Sacred Heart Church; Rev. Michael Ferrick, pastor of Queen of the World Church and Rev. John A. Kuzilla, pastor of St. Boniface Church in Kersey.

    Following Mass, diplomas were awarded to the graduating eighth graders.

    St. Marys Catholic Middle School Principal, Mary Agnes Marshall thanked the students for dedicating the past three years of their lives to the school.

    “It was a pleasure having you here,” Marshall said. “You are a unique class with a deep faith commitment and you have taught us as much as we have taught you.”

    She wished them a very successful four years of education. Marshall also touched on comments offered earlier in the Mass by Rev. Michael Ferrick, pastor of Queen of the World Church, regarding the “wings and feathers” which students can always depend on.

    “You have three sets of wings, those of your parents, your education and your guardian angel,” Marshall said. “Make sure to stay in touch with your guardian angel.”

    Marshall then spoke briefly to the parents of the graduating students. She offered advice as a mother and educator, to “please make sure you are home to greet your student as often as possible. This is a critical time for them and its your love that will make them happy.”

    Marshall also encouraged the students to come back and visit the middle school as often as possible.

    Numerous awards, scholarships, medals and certificates were presented at the conclusion of the Mass.

    The President’s Award for Educational Excellence and Educational Achievement are based on performance in the classroom and/or on standardized achievement test results.             They are presented in cooperation with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the U.S. Department of Education.

    In a letter addressed to the students by President George Bush, he stated “for 25 years this award  has honored students who have shown a strong commitment to academic excellence and have built a solid foundation for a lifetime of accomplishment. This award demonstrates that when you do your best and follow your dreams, there is no limit to what you can achieve.”

    The following students earned the award in educational excellence; Nicholas Cheatle, Shaun Chiesa, Joseph Childs, Peter Cooney, Helen Danz, Rebecca Gleixner, Shelby Gorman, Jacob Herbstritt, Carly Higgins, Samantha Hoh, Loreal Housler, Daniel Johnson, Kevin Kronenwetter, Abby Meyer, Madelyn O’Leary, Kathryn Ordiway, Stephanie Pistner, Brent Polaski Margaret Sorg, Ryan Struble, Erica Wehler and Benjamin Wortman.

    Nicholas Erich, Kevin Kraus, Quirin Riddle and Jena Struble received the award for educational achievement.

Awards for excellence in specific curricular fields were presented to several students including: Abby Meyer-religion, Jacob Herbstritt-mathematics, Kevin Kraus-English, Jena Struble-literature, Benjamin Wortman-social studies, Helen Danz-science, Jonathan Leuschel-physical education, Margaret Sorg-technology, Madelyn O’Leary-music, Molly Schneider-art, Ryan Jacobs-Spanish, Samantha Hoh-vocabulary. Each student was awarded a medal and certificate.

Abbey Meyer and Jena Struble were recognized with the Overall Outstanding Achievement Award, while Alexa Meholic and Jodi Meyer received the Overall Outstanding Effort Award. Each student was awarded a medal, certificate and a $50 savings bond.

The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary Distinguished Achievement awards were presented to Kevin Kraus and Alexa Meholic. The award recognizes such qualities as courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service, which are necessary for the preservation and protection of the fundamental institutions of our government and the advancement of society. The recipients are selected by their classmates as those best exemplifying such qualities. The award is sponsored by American Legion Post 103.

The “Living the Spirit” award, is also decided by vote among faculty and staff. Receiving this award was Madelyn O’Leary and Kevin Kraus. This award is presented in honor of alumni of the Catholic elementary school system. The Class of 2008 are the newest alumni in the organization.

Students were recognized for their remarkable demonstration of character, service, generosity and a positive attitude. It is these qualities faculty and staff hope exemplify the school’s alumni. The winner’s name will be engraved on a plaque which commemorates the annual award and is displayed in the main hall, adjacent to the main office