McNicholas celebrates the Class of 2025

Congratulations to our newest graduates who received their diplomas at the Taft Theatre on Monday, May 19th. 

Salutatorian Lila Moeves and valedictorian Jonathan Byrum shared reflections about their class's time at McNicholas. 

Lila encouraged her classmates to hold onto their imaginations as they go out into the world: "Our imaginations will fuel our futures as we begin to move away from Rocket High. Many of us do not know what we are going to do and that is ok because we can imagine the possibilities thanks to the many valuable lessons that we learned at McNick, like learning to handle and embrace the challenges life gives to us. May we all use our imaginations to continue to dream, to serve, and to fly."

Jonathan spoke about holding onto the experiences and bonds formed between him and his classmates over their four years together. "And while tonight may feel like an ending, it's really a beginning--shaped by the moments that changed us in ways we didn't always notice at the time. We may leave this place, but a piece of it stays with us, quietly woven into who we have become." He also reminded his classmates that no matter where their futures take them, they can always come back to Rocket High. "We don't have to lose what we've built here; we can always return, reconnect, and remind ourselves of where we started." 

McNicholas English teacher, Mrs. Julie Dill, congratulated our graduates on their accomplishment and said, "Your diploma is a symbol of the power you have attained through your education. You have been empowered to think critically, make deadlines, problem-solve, and serve others. You have been empowered to leave the safety of McNicholas High School and go forth on the path that God is leading you to take." She then challenged these Rockets to "strive to be inspiring, to be compassionate leaders, and to use your power for good."

Congratulations to all members of the Class of 2025, including these special award winners: 

Archbishop McNicholas Memorial Award

Julia Cheek & Benjamin Jones

Christian Leadership Award

Lynn Sandmann & Elijah Holland

Rasper Service Award

Katherine Noble & Noel Shelly

Outstanding Service Awards

Lillian Belllissemo

Kenzie Dehner

Frances Goff

Jacob Gundrum

Evelyn Hurlburt

Matthew Irvine

Jack Kamphaus

Kennedy Kramer

William Meltebrink

Michael Mindrum

Lila Moeves

Eric Reinhart

Grace Reuss

Olivia Stein

Maia Zeilman

Principal's Award

Jordan Wheatley & Braden Bobo

Academic Top Ten

Jonathan Byrum - 1st

Lila Moeves - 2nd

Kennedy Kramer - 3rd

Julia Cheek

Evelyn Hurlburt

Tyler Munzel

Mia Ray

Eric Reinhart

Grace Reuss

Jordan Wheatley

Click here to watch the Graduation ceremony!