On May 23rd, 182 Eagles walked the graduation stage in Reckling Gym, surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones as they cheered for the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Despite the storms outside, the ceremony was full of warmth and joy as the seniors said farewell to St. Thomas.

Savoring the significance of the commencement ceremony, Salutatorian Matthew Chung put words to the emotions in his address:

“Everyone here has been impacted by St. Thomas in a positive way, and that’s what graduation should be about: a celebration of our journey and growth throughout high school.”

Chung’s speech was followed by Valedictorian Zacariah Hart’s own, in which he shared the importance of the Basilian education he received over the last four years. 

“Our primary objective, whatever our earthly pursuits, should be to align our lives with God and to seek everlasting life in unity with God,” he shared. “Our departure from St. Thomas is not the end of our objective to achieve Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, but rather just the beginning of a life-long effort to live lives of high moral integrity.”

Commencement speaker and former Board member J. Weldon Granger also shared words of wisdom with the graduates:

“Be the kind of man who listens before he leads. The kind of man who others trust not because he’s perfect but because he strives to do what is right,” he said. “Class of 2026, may God guide your steps, strengthen your spirit, and fill your journey with meaning. Today you leave this school as graduates, tomorrow you continue as men committed to making this world better than you found it.”

As the St. Thomas community wishes all of the graduating class well, four seniors earned special distinctions in this year’s Academic Awards ceremonies.

For his dedication to his faith and service-minded attitude, Emmett Clanton received the Rev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, CSB Campus Ministry Award. 

The Principal’s Service and Leadership Award was presented to Mario Martinez, a steadfast, loyal, and supportive member of the school community. 

Italo Chavarria-Medez received the Carl Mitchell Allnoch Athletic Memorial Trophy for Excellence in Academics for his hard work in the classroom and the field of competition, as a letter winner in both football and wrestling. 

Finally, the Albert R. Gaelens Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge award went to Kale Mazurek, as he represents the moral character and true wisdom of a Man of St. Thomas. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 

“…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31