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Top graduates reflect on high school years
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Lafayette and St. Theodore Guerin High School in Noblesville will celebrate commencement on the evening of June 4.
The Catholic Moment recently asked the valedictorians and salutatorians of the two high schools to share their insights, memories and advice as they neared graduation.
Valedictorians
Central
Catholic
Name: Lynne M. Hardy
Age: 18
Parish: Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Lafayette
Parents: Dwight and Valerie Hardy
Extracurricular activities: National Honor Society president; Mock Trial; yearbook editor; plays; musicals; Interact; Student Council treasurer; choir; Powderpuff Football; Relay for Life
College: Indiana University
Major: Exploratory
How did you decide to attend Central Catholic?
My parents enrolled me in Central Catholic. I’m the third generation to graduate from CC, so it’s a family choice.
How do you look back on the education you received there?
Looking back on my education at CC, I realize that I have earned a great education that has prepared me for college. I also developed close relationships with my class that I will hopefully never lose.
What was the most faith-filled moment?
Each year, the seniors put on a retreat for juniors called SEARCH. That is the most faith-filled moment/experience at CC, in my opinion.
What are the three main ingredients for academic success?
To succeed academically, you have to be determined and ambitious, but most importantly, you have to have fun, too. Finding a balance between academics and whatever fun activities you want to do is the key. You won’t want to learn if it prevents you from enjoying life and makes you unhappy.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
To an incoming freshman, I would say, “Put in the effort; it will be worth it” and “Don’t wish the time away. It goes faster than you expect.”
Guerin
Catholic
Name: Devin Unrein
Age: 18
Parish: St. Joan of Arc, Kokomo
Parents: Randy and Jennifer Unrein
Extracurricular activities: theater; SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions); Golden Voice and Sounds of Providence (Guerin’s choirs)
College: Indiana University
Major: Pre-medicine (chemistry)
How did you decide to attend Guerin Catholic?
I was originally supposed to attend Kokomo High School, but I really desired an education that still integrated Christ and where I would be able to express my faith in an environment that encouraged that. When I heard that there was a bus commuting to and from Guerin and Kokomo, I became more interested. After shadowing a student and praying a lot about it, my heart was set on attending. However, because of my family’s financial situation, it would’ve been almost impossible. Because of the dedication of Guerin’s administration and by the grace of God, I was given an academic scholarship and enough financial aid that I was able to go to Guerin.
How do you look back on the education you have received there?
Guerin’s education is absolutely outstanding. I honestly believe that by taking the honors classes, participating in the IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma program, and through the integration of faith within the curriculum, I’ve been more prepared for college than I would have been had I attended any other school.
What was the most faith-filled moment?
Growing in my faith was definitely an ongoing process these past four years. Having the opportunity to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist every day was probably one of the greatest blessings for me, though. Being in the middle of the school day, it really put my goals into perspective and served as a constant reminder that all my hard work is only for the glory of God and that my purpose in life is to serve him. It was also a great way to rid myself of unnecessary stress and was a tremendous source of spiritual strength.
What are the three main ingredients for academic success?
Academic success can only come through trust in God, perseverance, and a love for learning.
What advice would you give an incoming freshman?
I would say to be open to what God has in store for you. Become involved in a sport, club or other extracurricular activity where you can explore the gifts and talents that God has given you. Have a good group of friends and don’t be afraid to go outside your friendship circle and meet new people. Finally, the benefits of paying attention in class and doing the work include less stress, more free time and preparation for college; if you learn to love learning, high school will become all the more enjoyable.
Salutatorians
Central
Catholic
Name: Gregory Burns
Age: 18
Parish: Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Lafayette
Parents: Tom and Mary Ann Burns
Extracurricular activities: football, track, Academic Superbowl, National Honor Society
College: Purdue University
Major: Engineering
How did you decide to attend Central Catholic?
I have been enrolled in the Catholic school system my entire life, so I wouldn’t really say that I “decided” to go to Central Catholic. I never considered going anywhere else.
How do you look back on the education you received there?
When I look back on my education at Central Catholic, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. The small classes and family-like atmosphere provided a great high school experience.
What was the most faith-filled moment?
My most faith-filled moment at Central Catholic was at the annual SEARCH retreat for juniors and seniors. For the sake of future Knights, I’m not allowed to say much about it, but it definitely brought me closer to God and my classmates.
What are the three main ingredients for academic success?
In my opinion, the three main ingredients for academic success are hard work, time management and, most importantly, a balance of work and fun. If you spend all of your time working, you will go crazy. My dad always tells me, “Work hard. Play harder.”
What advice would you give an incoming freshman?
To all incoming freshmen, I have just one piece of advice: Don’t take high school for granted. It can be one of the best times of your life and I promise you, it will go by too quickly.
Guerin
Catholic
Name: Alex Kosiak
Age: 18
Parish: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Carmel
Parents: Paula and Walt Kosiak
Extracurricular activities: Sounds of Providence Choir, Golden Voice Choir, soccer, Eagle Scout, Knights of the Holy Temple
College: Purdue University
Major: Biochemistry
How did you decide to attend Guerin Catholic?
I wanted to go to a Catholic high school, as I had attended a Catholic grade school and saw the value in a Catholic education. Guerin Catholic was the closest Catholic school to me because at the time I was living in Kokomo, and so my family decided to look into it. We were sincerely welcomed by Guerin Catholic. The students, whether knowing them or not, were happy to see that I was interested in their school and welcomed me into the community with open arms. I knew then that Guerin was the place I wanted to attend for my short four years of high school.
How do you look back on the education you have received there?
The education at Guerin Catholic is unlike any other. The blend of academics and a faith-filled curriculum is a very unique combination only found at Guerin. The IB curriculum offered by GCHS is rigorous and really puts students in a challenging position academically that will prepare them for college.
What was the most faith-filled moment?
The most faith-filled moments were probably singing at the funerals of Mark Brewster and Mrs. Kirkwood. It was an extremely powerful experience as well as an eye-opening one because I was able to see how Guerin Catholic is such a caring community unlike any other.
What are the three main ingredients for academic success?
Time management skills, determination and good listening skills
What advice would you give an incoming freshman?
Guerin has opportunities for any student, anything from Comedy Sportz to music and drama to athletics to yearbook to clubs and academically oriented activities. Guerin Catholic is open to anyone, and my advice to an incoming freshman would be to simply take advantage of the opportunities at your disposal.