Congratulations to the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Class of 2015. To date, the class has earned $5.3 million in college scholarships.
A Baccalaureate Mass was held in the VASJ gym on Wednesday, May 27, with the theme “Together toward tomorrow.” VASJ’s Peer Ministers planned and coordinated the Mass which included a surprise appearance by Father Jim Bartlett, SM, VASJ’s former chaplain who retired last year and traveled from Texas for the occasion.
VASJ was blessed to have the school's retired Chaplain, Fr. Jim Bartlett, SM,
travel from Texas to celebrate Mass at Baccalaureate and be present for graduation.
There was nothing but sunshine on the evening of Thursday, May 28, for the 25th annual commencement ceremony which was held at the beautiful Ss. Robert and William Church.
The class Valedictorian and recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa scholarship, Jeffrey Grudzinski, will be continuing his education by attending The Ohio State University in the fall. Salutatorian, Forrest Bertosa, will be attending Sarah Lawrence College in New York.
Class of 2015 Salutatorian, Forrest Bertosa,
and Valedictorian, Jeffrey Grudzinski.
Grudzinski and classmates Taylor Sawicki, Shea Smith and Char’Ves Windham were elected to serve as the commencement speakers at graduation.
Although each speech was different and reflected their own unique personalities, there were some common themes that emerged among them.
They spoke about the way their teachers and coaches have prepared them not only for college but also for life in the real world. They shared tips of wisdom and perseverance and the importance of having a positive attitude.
The graduates spoke about the sense of family felt among their classmates and all of the students, faculty and staff at VASJ.
They spoke about how quickly the last four years have passed and the life-long memories they created together during the journey.
“Like Jesus and His Disciples, we have walked together on an extraordinary journey through high school, loaded with unforgettable experiences,” said Shea Smith.
Shea Smith was selected to serve as one
of the commencement speakers at graduation.
Celebration ensued as the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Class of 2015 exited Ss. Robert and William church.
As Shea Smith said in her speech, “Together we walked in, and one last time, together we will walk out.”