St. Vincent High School recognized its seniors during commencement exercises May 17, celebrating a graduating class encouraged to work hard, embrace faith and build a meaningful legacy as members of the Class of 2026 received their diplomas.
Held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, the ceremony featured remarks from salutatorian Trenten Welker, valedictorian Reagan Meyer and commencement speaker Jared Hotop, who challenged graduates to approach life with purpose while remaining grounded in faith, family and service.
Welker opened the ceremony by welcoming family, friends, faculty and administrators while thanking those who supported the class throughout its academic journey.
“I never would have gotten to this point without the endless support of my family and my friends,” Welker said.
Reflecting on his time at St. Vincent, Welker spoke about the challenges and memories that shaped the Class of 2026, from adjusting to life in high school to navigating demanding classes and preparing for the transition beyond graduation.
He recalled advice frequently shared by his father — “Work harder, play harder, think harder” — saying the message helped push him to continuously improve.
Welker admitted leaving high school comes with uncertainty but expressed confidence in the future of his classmates.
“In just a couple months, this graduating class will be represented at 22 different colleges, institutions, academies and companies,” Welker said. “To me, that’s pretty amazing to think about.”
Welker encouraged classmates to pursue paths that challenge and inspire them while staying true to themselves.
“Wherever we go and whatever we do, I hope we choose a path that challenges us, excites us and feels true of who we are,” Welker said. “The future belongs to each and every one of us, and I can’t wait to see where the Class of 2026 goes next.”
Serving as commencement speaker was Perryville native Jared Hotop, president of Buchheit Retail Stores and a longtime St. Vincent coach and supporter.
A 1994 graduate of Perryville High School, Hotop earned a degree in public relations and marketing from Southeast Missouri State University, graduating **summa cum laude** in 1998. He and his wife, Kim, a 1994 St. Vincent graduate, have 7 children and are active members of St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Hotop currently serves as a St. Vincent baseball coach and is known locally as the play-by-play voice of St. Vincent football for Donze Communications.
Calling it an honor to speak before such a decorated senior class, Hotop said graduation marks both the end of one season and the beginning of another.
Drawing from lessons he shares with athletes and employees, Hotop challenged students to remember what he called the “3 Ls” — love the game, love your teammates and leave a legacy.
“The game is the rest of your life,” Hotop said. “Are you going to play this game, or are you going to sit on the sidelines?”
Hotop encouraged graduates to fully embrace life, take risks and avoid letting fear prevent them from pursuing goals.
“The people who never miss are the people who never swing,” Hotop said. “Aim high and miss rather than aim low and hit every single day.”
He also stressed the importance of relationships and forgiveness, reminding graduates that every person they encounter is loved by God.
“There’s no version of a good life when you go alone,” Hotop said. “Support your team, challenge your team and love your team.”
Hotop concluded his remarks by encouraging graduates to work hard, pray harder and measure success by the impact they leave on others.
“Class of 2026, you are loved, you’re gifted and you’re needed,” Hotop said. “Stay off the sidelines, love the game, love your team and build a legacy worth living.”
Valedictorian Reagan Meyer followed with remarks centered on wonder, gratitude and learning to appreciate life’s everyday moments.
Meyer said she initially struggled to decide what message she wanted to leave classmates with, but ultimately found inspiration in the beauty of the world around her.
“The world is truly a beautiful place when you allow yourself to feel wonder,” Meyer said.
She encouraged graduates to maintain a sense of awe as they move into adulthood, even amid stress and uncertainty.
“Wonder can be found right in front of you in both extreme and mundane moments of life,” Meyer said. “Timeless sunsets, trees, walks with your mom, music on a late-night drive, accomplishments, birds chirping in the morning and many, many other things.”
Meyer urged classmates to slow down, live gratefully and cherish the opportunities ahead.
“As we conclude this chapter of our lives, I invite you to take a step back and discover your wonder for the world,” Meyer said. “Living for the joy and peace in yourself, others and the world around you.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas to members of the graduating class as family members, friends and faculty celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
