NEW ULM - Farewell speaker and graduating senior Ted Skillings told his 32 classmates it takes character to move forward at Cathedral High School's 90th commencement Sunday at St. Mary's Church.
"Our curriculum gives us energy to grow in faith if we chose to do so," Skillings said. "We've been crafting a masterpiece for 13 years. Brighter colors for the good times, darker colors for the tougher times."
Skillings said disappointing times drew the class together, all of them endured struggles, and that each individual is important.
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Staff photo by Mark Newsom
Bishop John M. LeVoir presents the Lumen Christi Award to John Hayes at graduation exercises for Cathedral High School at St. Mary’s Church in New Ulm on Sunday. In the background on the left is Valedictorian Timothy Schwartz, and Salutatorian Brian Nosbush.
"Seniors, take the value of integrity and your faith with you," he concluded.
In her commencement address, Mary Dengerud told seniors to always do their best, that God will take care of the rest.
"Everyone deserves the very best of you. Don't sell yourself short," Dengerud added. "Stay close to God. Talk to Him daily. He'll help with the bumps in the road."
Bishop John M. LeVoir encouraged graduates to always remember the church.
"It's through the church that we see Jesus today...and through the church, we see the truth of who we are," LeVoir said. "When we're perplexed by life's difficulties, we can meet Jesus in the church. Remember it as your mother, watching over and caring for us."
Distinguished Student Awards went to Valedictorian Timothy Schwartz, Salutatorian Brian Nosbush and the Lumen Christi Award to John Hayes.
(Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).