This past Tuesday, May 13, the senior class packed into the Karcher Center for one last awards ceremony. While bittersweet, it was a beautiful ceremony that recognized the countless nights of dedication and hard work the senior class has endured over the past four years. This awards ceremony served as a preview into the next coming week of pre-graduation festivities. Putting on the chords felt like taking the first step out the door.
A multitude of awards were given out with some including first and second honors, National Honor Society, ASB and Campus Ministry. Having both brains and brawn, the senior class was also recognized for their contribution to athletics at Rosary. Honoring our motto of being “holistic women,” many seniors received several awards in different subject areas.
Mrs. Kearns awarded Natalie Reddding ’25 with the Campus Ministry award; a tremendous honor that is a testament to her dedication for the past four years. Redding told me how she felt receiving the Campus Ministry award: “When I heard my name called for the Campus Ministry award, I was filled with gratitude. I am so grateful for Mrs. Kearns because she helped me through my most difficult times in high school and she’s always been an inspiration to me. I love being a Campus Minister and a woman of faith. Receiving that award made me feel like God was telling me ‘I’m proud of you.'”
The Valedictorian of the class of 2025, Mieke Van-Dijk, who received her medal during the ceremony, shared her feelings regarding receiving this honor: “I am so blessed to have received Valedictorian. Achieving this special honor has allowed me to recognize my dedication to academics and perseverance through so many challenges. I hope to inspire Royals to believe in themselves and to work hard no matter how unattainable a goal may seem.”
With only a week (I can’t believe it myself) left until we grace the lawn in our white gowns, I couldn’t help but feel sentimental as I watched my peers receive awards for things they worked tirelessly for the four years. To the graduating seniors: be proud of where you are today and what you have accomplished. Take the next week to reflect on your high school career and cherish our last moment at Rosary. Look forward to the future because I know that there’s surely more in store for all of us.
