Marian Central Catholic High School Class of 2022

Posted May 23, 2022 1:00 am

Marian Central's Ava Notaro watches her tee shot on the second hole of the Valley Course during the IHSA Class 1A Marian Central Girls Golf Regional in September at Boone Creek Golf Club, in Bull Valley. Gregory Shaver for Shaw Local

Graduates in Class of 2022: 92

Graduation ceremony: Friday, May 27, 2022, Marian Central Catholic High School, Landers Pavilion

Valedictorian: Matthew Martin Salutatorian: Patrick Kumm

Graduation Speakers: Matthew Martin and Patrick Kumm

National Merit Scholarship Finalist: William Stotz

Extracurricular achievements:

• Academic Challenge: Will Stotz, 2nd Place Finish in Computer Science; Matthew Martin, 3rd Place Finish in English; Jack Newton, 3rd Place Finish in Physics; The team placed 9th overall.

• Chess team competed at the IHSA State Finals

Athletic achievements:

• Anthony Carney competed at the IHSA State Finals in Cross Country

• Ava Notaro competed in the IHSA Sectional in Girls Golf

• Owen Jager competed in the IHSA Sectional for Boys Golf

• Boys Soccer won the IHSA Regional title

• Nikolas Jimenez competed at the IHSA Sectionals for Wrestling

• Girls Soccer won the IHSA Regional title and is now competing for the Sectional Title

Theater productions:

• "All Together Now" - Fall

• "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" - Spring

What was new in 2021-22: This year we upgraded our Commons Area for the students to feel more welcome to congregate before and after school. After COVID, this was perfect timing for encouraging students to come together again. We also held our first Wellness Day. The day was dedicated to focusing on the overall well-being of our students and staff through discussions, activities and expert testimonies.

What challenges did the Class of 2022 face as they returned to in-person school full time, and how did they overcome them: Since Marian Central remained in-person on a hybrid schedule throughout the pandemic, our students were lucky to keep a somewhat consistent schedule of learning and interacting with peers. Students were very excited to all return to every day in-person learning as well as club meetings, activities and athletics when it was deemed safe to do so.

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2022: The Class of 2022 are what I would consider a resilient group of students. Their first unexpected high school experience was in September 2019, when lightning hit the school. By Spring of 2020, their learning was completely remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These students had to use their grit, determination, and compassion to maintain their grades, extracurricular involvement, and relationships through the next year. Though this, their senior year, seems to be as close to normal as it could be, there is no doubt that the life skills that these students had developed through high school have certainly prepared them for anything life throws at them. This coupled with their faith will allow them to do great things.

- Principal Debra Novy

Marian Central senior quarterback Brendan Hernon hands off to senior running back Dante Ricciardi during a game against Leo High School. Courtesy of Brady Keeshan

Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com

Marian Central's Jayson Lange (10) leaps to block a shot by South Elgin's Brian Vesta during a game at the Hinkle Holiday Classic basketball tournament at Jacobs High School in Algonquin. Ryan Rayburn for Shaw Local

Marian Central High School senior John Ahler takes a swing in a game against Richmond-Burton High School. Courtesy of Brady Keeshan

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