Thirty-nine members of St. Vincent High School’s Class of 2025 received their diplomas during commencement exercises held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville.
The graduating seniors entered the nave as the processional, “Pomp & Circumstance,” was played by the St. Vincent Concert Band.
After the opening prayer by Pastor Rev. Joe Geders, C.M., Salutatorian Mallory Patrick welcomed everyone present and addressed her fellow graduates.
She said, in part, “Today is finally that day: the day we marked on our calendars at the beginning of the year, the day we wished for during our winter finals, and probably the day we dreamt about during Mrs. House’s classes. Today, May 21st, officially marks the end of our chapter here at St. Vincent; this day marks when we transition from students to alumni, and we will now leave the place we have grown to know, love, and cherish these last years together.
“For most of us, today was the last day we heard that bell ring, the last time we will sit together in this Church, and quite possibly the last time we will all be together as a class. Although some of you cannot wait to leave, and others are sad to see this time end, I am incredibly grateful for all of you and the memories we have made together at St. Vincent. However, this is not the end for us; it is only the beginning.
“As we all will go on our own journeys after this night, whether that be with friends from kindergarten or starting fresh in a completely new state, we will eventually recognize and understand the importance these last years have had on us. All the friendships and memories we have created, the dances and sports games we have participated in, and all the traditions St. Vincent has given us have shaped and prepared us for this next chapter. These next years will go by even faster than high school, and will most likely be the most fun, rewarding, and stressful times of our lives. However, we must remember to fully enjoy those moments, as we do not get them again.”
Following Patrick’s speech, Dr. Benjamin Schremp addressed the graduates, saying in part, “As I was trying to gather my thoughts, a verse came to mind that I feel is perfect for this occasion. ‘Go be great. Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord will be with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:9
“Go be great — such a seemingly simple command, but what does it truly mean to be great? We often equate 'greatness' with fame and fortune, awards and accolades, prestige and power. Professions like doctor, lawyer, and CEO come to mind, and those are all noble pursuits if that is your calling. But each one of us has a unique and different path to travel, a unique and different calling for our life.
“Some of you are headed to a four-year university. Some of you are headed to community college, some of you to the military, some of you are headed to the workforce, and some of you are still searching for your path. And all of those options are OK, all of them are noble, and all of them are worthy as you find your way. The important thing, the thing that leads to greatness, is that you listen for your calling, you heed your calling, and you fulfill your calling to the best of your ability.”
The presentation of diplomas was performed by Pastor Geders and Zachary Stobart, president of schools.
Valedictorian Jace Hennemann concluded the ceremony with his address to the graduates. He said, in part,
“I have no doubt that every member of the Class of 2025 will go on to have successful careers and excel in their fields. But as we move forward, it’s important to remember one of life’s most crucial truths: success in a job does not guarantee happiness. We’re entering into one of the most materialistic, work-obsessed cultures in history. The 'perfect life' that corporate America sells us is a morning coffee, eight hours of brain-dead work, a few hours of mindless entertainment, and then sleep, just to do it all again the next day.
“Tens of millions of people fall into that routine, living lives that are devoid of true purpose. That’s the way they were taught to live, to be shaped entirely by others’ expectations and praises. But as Steve Jobs once said,
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” Don’t let society define success for you,and certainly don’t trade happiness for money or an empty title. No number of hours worked or promotions earned will ever buy back a minute of time with your loved ones. Enjoy life. Spend time with your family. Experience everything, because if you don’t, you’ll surely wish you had. Throughout our time at St. Vincent, the most important thing we’ve learned is that Christ calls us every day to be a force for good in the world. Not the good we define for ourselves, or the good the world describes, but the goodness and love of the God who created us. So, Class of 2025, in our final gathering together, I ask you to answer that call.
“Be a helping hand to someone who can’t help themselves. Love the person who constantly gets on your nerves. Be a patient father or mother. Serve when you’d rather be served. Through your actions, spread the good news that we are saved by a God who loves us. Be a Christian in a world full of hate – not just when it’s easy, but when it feels impossible. That is our faith. That is our duty to our brothers and sisters. And in fulfilling it, we will find the one true path to eternal happiness with God. Thank you.”
St. Vincent High School’s Class of 2025 — and their plans for after graduation — are Eli Clayton Abernathy, Missouri Baptist University; Lillian Erica Best, entering the workforce; Allison Jill Bierk, University of Missouri-Columbia; Nicholas Clay Buchheit, entering the workforce; Kaitlin Rose Buerck, Southeast Missouri State University; Isabel Sharon Cissell, Renaissance Beauty Academy; Callie Sue Eleanor Clements SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing & Health Sciences; Caleb James Ehman, Mineral Area College; Alivia Christine Ellis, Mineral Area College; Parker Harold Ellis, State Technical College; Haley Sue Emmendorfer, Southeast Missouri State University; Clayton Matthew Gremaud, Maryville University; Colton Thomas Gremaud, Heavy Equipment Operating Academy; Noah Matthew Hager, De- Paul University; Logan Anthony Hayden, United States Marine Corps; Jace Edward Hennemann, University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign; Ethan Kenneth Hotop, Southeast Missouri State University; Abigail Aurelia Kirn, Maryville University; Jocelynn Marie Leible, Mineral Area College; Stephen Walter Martin, Southeast Missouri State University; Cooper Douglas McMillian, North American Lineman Training Center; Carlie Elizabeth Mueller, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy; Alexandra Elizabeth Patrick, University of Missouri-Columbia; John Robert Patrick, Southeast Missouri State University; Mallory Michelle Patrick, University of Mississippi; Madelin Louise Pecaut, Jefferson College; Cruz Isaac Reitzel, entering the workforce; Brigid Anne Sauer, East Central College; Abigail Rae Schilling, Western Illinois University; John Louis Schwartz, entering the workforce; Jacob Andrew Seabaugh, Saint Charles Community College; Austin Lee Sleyster, University of Missouri-Columbia; Kennedy Elizabeth Sutterer, Jefferson College; Boston Michael Tarrillion, University of Central Missouri; Samantha Camille Taylor, University of Missouri- Columbia; Olivia Grace Tomlinson, Murray State University; James Michael Unterreiner, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Collin Gregory Wheeler, Ranken Technical College; and Reese Marie Zoellner, Savannah College of Art and Design.
