“Igniting a Torch of Excellence:” Cathedral Preparatory School Celebrates Class of 2024 at 100th Annual Commencement Ceremony

For 130 years, Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy developed men and women of vision in spirit, mind, and body as two entities. Now, together as one school community at Cathedral Prep, students continue to grow and flourish under this mission, and are provided with an outstanding educational experience and a solid foundation for their future. On Sunday, June 2, 154 young men and women processed out of the back of the Warner Theatre as graduates of Cathedral Prep. The ladies wore the beloved traditional white dress and gloves, each carrying a bouquet of red roses. The boys wore the traditional white dinner jacket. The graduates had the honor of receiving their diplomas from The Most Rev. Bishop Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L., President Kevin Smith, and Vice President of Academics and Student Affairs William Pituch ’01VMA.

Graduates and their families and friends heard speeches from classmates Owurakwame Anim-Somuah ’24 and Clare DiGiacomo ’24, who fondly referenced the memories from each year of their high school careers. While the road may not have been smooth for our seniors, from Covid-19 interrupting their senior year to navigating a consolidation, they rose above these challenges with grace and strength. They have strengthened the foundation that has been laid for them.

Torain Spearman ’24 & Luke Costello ’24 served as the masters of ceremonies. Samantha Elwell ’24, Josephine Dufala ’24, and Emma Kill ’24 sang “America the Beautiful.” Olivia Kallner ’24 led the ceremony in the opening prayer and scripture, while Daniel Oblich ’24 closed the ceremony with prayer. This year’s class was joined by members of the Class of 1974 from Prep and Villa, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

The Cathedral Prep Class of 2024 earned over $35 million in scholarships, which makes up an average of nearly $230,000 per student!

Gold Honor Medallion Recipients

Gold Honor Medallions were awarded to the members of the graduating class who have distinguished themselves in specific fields of scholastic and co-curricular endeavors.

Michael Duffy & Madeline Huber - Art

Alexander Junkin & Samantha Elwell – Drama

Diego Ayala Mireles & Josephine Dufala - Music

Luke Costello & Jayden McBride - Interscholastic Athletics

Dominick Scarpino - Journalism

Collin Harris - Forensics

Faith Hammond - AFJROTC

Emma Izbicki - Math

Ellie Brugger - Science

Ella Fedor - Social Studies

Hannah Letizio - English

Caitlin Dugan - Christian Doctrine