St. Thomas School Graduates 21 Eighth Grade Students

The following was submitted by Robin Taillie, advancement director at the .

On June 8, 21 students graduated from at a mass held at Saint Thomas Church celebrated by Pastor Nicholas Melo.

Valedictorian Jameson Kief addressed the crowd of parents, grandparents, family members, fellow students, faculty, staff and school board members. Jameson described the class of 21 students as a “close knit family” that accepted new students into their “group” and stuck together and supported each other throughout all their years at St. Thomas.

Many had been at the school since they entered pre-school; however, some had joined in later years, but the camaraderie included every student and he encouraged them all to stay in touch and keep aware of each others successes in the years to come.

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A majority of the class is planning to attend Catholic high schools including St. Paul Catholic High School, Xavier High School and Mercy High School.

Principal MaryPat Wirkus awarded the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, which requires a grade point average of 90 or higher and high achievement in reading or math on state tests or nationally-normed tests, to the following nine students: Kimberly Arnold, Katherine Glavin, Jameson Kief, Thomas Melvin, Megan Miller, Alyssa Morrissey, Dominic Nazzaro, Caleigh Waskowicz and Joseph Zacchia.

Awards were given as follows:

The Kristen Warner Award, given by Mrs. Joan Murphy, former principal of the school, in memory of the former alumni student of Saint Thomas School. The recipient of this award is an exiting eighth-grade student who emulates the attributes of Kristen – thoughtfulness, compassion, and sensitivity to others’ needs. The award was presented to Megan Miller.

TheScanlon Family Award, given by Joan Scanlon, is presented to a young man who shows compassion, loves his family, is an athlete who is shows good sportsmanship and is a loyal friend. The award was presented to Joseph Zacchia.

Jillann St. John Award, given by Mrs. MaryPat Wirkus in memory of her daughter Jillann, to a young lady that will be attending a Catholic High School. The recipient of the award is someone who exemplifies youthfulness, academic strength, good Christian morals and has a warm and loving family spirit. The scholarship award was presented to Alyssa Morrissey.

Father McVerry Award, given by Fr. Melo, is awarded to a supporter of St. Thomas School, who has given unconditionally to its success by donating his time, talent and/or treasurer. This year the award went to Bob Burke, School Board Member.

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