The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock
Arkansas Catholic is celebrating the many graduates of Catholic high schools throughout the state this May. In this section, you'll find:
Keep these graduates in your prayers as they continue on their faith journey and start the next chapter of their lives.
As a cradle Catholic, 18-year-old John Tran has heard the story of the Passion of Christ for most of his life. As a senior at Subiaco Academy, he was shocked to learn that he would experience this Biblical account in a whole new way — as Jesus, in the musical “Godspell.”
“When I was leaving my followers behind because I was going to be crucified, giving them my farewells, one of the actresses there was crying More... 
On any given week, St. Joseph High School in Conway Senior Erin Frost can be found being an altar server or usher at Mass, attending classes and volunteering between four to five hours each week while still maintaining at 3.8 GPA.
She’s an avid reader too, but admits, she hasn’t been able to dive into as much science fiction and fantasy novels compared to past years.
“I read probably about 60 to 70 books a year,” Frost, More...
Catholic High School senior Evan East’s bicycle has taken him everywhere — from racing down Napoleon-era cobble stone streets in Europe to up a volcano on the island of Tenerife.
“I rode up a volcano, city level to 8,000 feet; that was one of the more surreal moments I’ve ever had on a bike,” the 18-year-old East said.
It’s the life of a competitive cyclist and East has worn that title since he was about 14 years More...
Mount St. Mary Academy senior Natalie Hiatt has a strong commitment to service that is deeply rooted in her faith.
Unlike most high school students who often have trouble getting up early enough for school, she begins her day by meeting for Bible study with members of her Mormon church at 6 a.m.
“It’s just like how some people begin their day with yoga,” she said, “I cannot imagine a better way to start off my day More...
Catholic High, Little Rock
Catholic High School’s graduation took place May 22 on the school’s new athletic field. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor presided at the ceremony and senior Landon Laredo Loyd was the master of ceremony. Seniors John Paul Hartnedy and William Maddox Chandler were the graduation speakers.
The valedictorian is Sammie Turner James III. The salutatorian is John Christian Bauer, son of David and Dana Bauer. He will attend the University of Arkansas to study accounting.
Other More...
Mount St. Mary, Little Rock
On May 21 the Mount St. Mary Academy graduation was held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Dr. Kathryn McCarthy Mullooly of the Class of 1998 was the graduation speaker.
The valedictorians are Maria Franzetti, Katherine Divino and Madison Akins-Banman. The salutatorian is Lauren Gann, daughter of Nancy and George Gann. She will study biology at Rhodes College.
Other graduates are:
Julia Gardiner Tyler Adrian
Allison Brooke Alewelt
Monica Alvarez
Alyssa Janine Anwar
Ariela A. Avila
Abigail More...
St. Joseph, Conway
St. Joseph High School held its graduation May 17 in the church. Pastor Father John Marconi, salutatorian and valedictorians were the speakers. Monica Davanzo and Caroline Dail are the co-valedictorians. The salutatorian is Isabella Hartman, daughter of Greg and Amy Hartman. She plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas to study occupational therapy.
The other graduates are:
Nicholas Stephen Bello
Emma Rose Davis
Sarah Elizabeth Downey
Brittney Renae Evans
William Martin Fields
Erin Marion Frost
Aaron Scott Hoelzeman
Austin Blake Hofherr
Jacob More...
Sacred Heart, Morrilton
Philip Gottsponer was the valedictorian at Sacred Heart High School’s graduation May 17 in the church.
Andrew Dunlap and Hannah Hartman are co-salutatorians. Dunlap, son of David and JoEllen Dunlap, plans to study English at the University of Central Arkansas. Hannah Hartman, daughter of Chris and Angie Hartman, plans to study biology at Arkansas Tech University.
Other graduates are:
William “Hunter” Andrews
Alexandria Baker
Herman “Joe” Beck
Jason Garrett
Justin Gunderman
Evan Hamling
William Henderson Jr.
Zachary Lentz
Teal Luyet
Talyn McCoy
Shamus McGee
Carrie Ryan
Cole Tamburo
Mia More...
Subiaco Academy, Subiaco
Subiaco Academy held its graduation May 16 in the inner courtyard at Subiaco Abbey. Isaac N. Combs, member of the Class of 1997, was the graduation speaker. Patrick Giuliani of Fort Smith was named the valedictorian. Jacob Maestri, also of Fort Smith, was the salutatorian. Maestri, son of Anne and Robert Maestri, will attend the University of Arkansas to study mechanical engineering.
Other graduates include:
Alex Bowman
Anh Duc Bui
Junwoo Chang
Brennon Felterman
Matthew Glass
Jack Hertlein
Kelly Hollis
Sean Jafari
Mario More...
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