Sedalia Sacred Heart School’s Class of 2024 reminded to keep running back to God
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Mariah Van Leer can’t think of a better group to have grown up with.
“I am so grateful for these extraordinary people,” she said. “They have taught me some incredible life lessons and given me a childhood I will never forget.”
Mariah gave the valedictorian address at Sacred Heart School’s 80th graduation ceremony on May 19 in Sedalia.
“I know that we are going to go out and absolutely crush life, so everyone better watch out!” she said.
Mariah and her 27 classmates graduated and had their Baccalaureate Mass on the Solemnity of Pentecost.
Sacred Heart is the only Catholic school in this diocese that has pre-school through high school under one roof, so many of the graduates had been together for 13 years.
Kindergarten teacher Jeannine Dove still teaches there and had a group photo with those who had her for class.
Mariah, in her address, thanked all the parents, priests, deacons, teachers, faculty and staff, and fellow parishioners for helping to make hers and her classmates’ time at Sacred Heart so successful and enjoyable.
She said what defines this graduating class is “our overall respect and care for one another.”
“We each have unique and wonderfully made God-given talents and abilities which when combined made us an incredibly strong group,” she stated.
She said the most important thing she learned at Sacred Heart was “how much your faith can keep you grounded.”
“We are human beings, and we will make mistakes and fall into sin,” she noted, “especially when we won’t be under the complete control of our parents.
“But we will always have God to run back to,” she said. “When we make those mistakes or poor decisions, he doesn’t love us any less.”
Rather, God wants them to run back into his arms and be forgiven, healed and reconciled in the Sacrament of Confession.
“Turn to him!” said Mariah. “He has a kind of love that we cannot even comprehend. That is the most valuable thing I have taken away from this school.”
Salutatorian Samantha Altena also expressed abundant thanks, especially to the graduating seniors’ families.
“The love and support you have shown not just for your children but for everybody in our class is unreal,” she said. “You have given us all the tools to succeed in life, one of which is the gift of being able to attend Sacred Heart.”
She said graduating is bittersweet.
“I know that each and every one of my classmates is going to achieve great things, but it is so hard to let go of the people and places that we have known for the past decade,” she said.
Important lessons
Father Joseph Corel, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish of Pettis County, which sponsors Sacred Heart School, opened the commencement ceremony with prayers of gratitude for the Class of 2024.
“Thank you for giving them the gift of life, for giving them the parents and sponsors who love and support them,” Fr. Corel prayed.
“Thank you for allowing them to already make a positive impact on our community, and help them to make a positive difference in the places they travel next.”
Sacred Heart High School President Nikki Howell said that the graduates’ time at school had given them countless valuable lessons — “not just academic knowledge but also the importance of prayer, integrity, compassion and service to others.”
“This is not just a milestone for our graduates but for all of us who have prayed for them and nurtured them along the way,” she said.
Sacred Heart’s Class of 2024 had a combined cumulative grade-point average of 3.6, with 10 of the 28 carrying a cumulative 3.9 or higher.
Twenty had already completed one or more college courses, taking with them over 343 hours of college credit.
The 28 graduating seniors had been offered $2,101,800 in scholarships, of which they so-far had accepted $1,240,200.
“Who you become”
The graduating seniors were dressed in red gowns, with red tassels and mortarboards and white sashes.
Each presented a white flower to his or her parents and exchanged hugs with them before taking a seat at the front of the gym.
Mariah, who participated in a record 10 school musical productions during her time at Sacred Heart and received the National School Choral Award, gave a solo performance of “Promises” by Maverick City.
History teacher Jane McMullin, a proud member of the Class of 1987 and a second-generation graduate with 33 years of tenure at the school, offered solid advice in her commencement address.
“The content of your character is your choice,” Mrs. McMullin told the graduating seniors. “Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do will influence who you become.
“Your integrity is your destiny,” she continued. “It is the life that guides your way.”
She predicted that they would have many successes, which would help them build their character.
However, “what is most important is the personal relationship you build with God, allowing him to guide you, to be open to his call,” she said.
She emphasized that the success that’s out there waiting for them is not measured with fame or wealth, “but in what kind of person you become and how you help others improve the world around you.”
Mixed emotions
In interviews between the Baccalaureate Mass and the commencement, four graduating seniors spoke of their joys, regret and excitement as they looked ahead to the next phase of their lives.
“It hasn’t really hit me yet, but I’m so excited for what’s to come,” said Ellie Coruna.
Andres Vanegas said it will mean getting out of his comfort zone and meeting new people.
Ximena Lopez said she’d certainly miss going to school in a building with grade-school students and kindergarteners.
“I love the kids and the homey vibe,” she said.
Jackson Manning said he’d also miss his friends and the “smaller-school vibe — how we all know each other and all the teachers care about us in the classroom.”
Andres said he’d never thought about attending another school.
“We’ve always lived here and always been close to the Church,” he said.
Jackson same to Sacred Heart in third grade, when his father became principal.
“But then, I was given the option to leave when he left, and I chose to stay because I like the education and I have a lot of friends,” he said.
Gremlins forever
This fall, Jackson plans to study mechanical engineering and play soccer at Rockhurst University in Kansas City.
Andres plans to attend State Fair Community College in Sedalia and play soccer there.
Ellie plans to major in computer science and minor in business at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Ximena plans to double-major in international business and Spanish at Rockhurst University.
All are convinced that people would be able to pick them out as graduates of Sacred Heart.
“I think they’ll know I’m a Gremlin because of my energy and my Gremlin pride,” said Ximena. “Especially when I’m cheering and watching the teams play.”
“I think people from Sacred Heart act differently because we’re a little school and how much the people around us care about us,” said Andres.
Ximena said an important lesson she learned outside the classroom is always to be herself.
“I learned the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and always trying something new,” said Ellie.
All four said they plan to remain Catholic.
“The message of Catholicism doesn’t end here,” Andres emphasized. “It’s what I believe, and I don’t intend to leave it behind.”
“I’m proud to be Catholic because of the many important teachings and the faith and hope and he promise of everlasting life,” said Ximena.
Jackson believes parish youth ministries and events such as the National Catholic Youth Conference go a long way toward helping young people stay connected with the Church.
With thanksgiving
All four expressed abundant gratitude.
“I’m grateful for my classmates and my family,” said Jackson.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities that Sacred Heart game me, and my family and my friends,” said Andres.
“I’m grateful for the leadership I have to look up to here,” said Ellie.
“I’m grateful for every single little thing I have,” said Ximena.
They asked for prayers:
- “for our futures and educations,” said Jackson.
- “for a safe and successful future,” said Ellie.
- “for success in overcoming any obstacles we have to overcome,” said Ximena.
Contributing to this report was Chris Howell, a reporter for the Sedalia Democrat ne
