Helias Catholic High School celebrated graduation for the Class of 2024 on Sunday, May 19, at Ray Hentges Stadium in the Crusader Athletic Complex.

The scripture reading for Sunday’s ceremony, read by Fr. Helias Award recipient Sam Wyrick, came from the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 16, verses 6-8: “Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. Then Moses summoned Joshua and in the presence of all Israel said to him, “Be strong and steadfast, for you shall bring these people into the land which the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them; it is you who will give them possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.”

This year’s 151 graduates have accepted a combined more than $2.7 million in scholarships to continue their post-secondary education.

The Class of 2024 includes 144 graduates who will pursue post-secondary education at a college or technical school, four committed to service in the U.S. Armed Forces, and seven who will enter the workforce following graduation.

“Throughout these years, our class has left a historic mark on Helias,” Karoline Klebba, Student Council president and Fr. Helias Award recipient, told her classmates. “I would like to share an impressive stat line from this class: 19 individual school records have been broken by our class and a record high attendance was reported for the Spring musical. I think this speaks for itself; we're pretty good at what we do. These accomplishments were facilitated inside the walls of Helias Catholic, so we thank all of the teachers, coaches, staff, and parents who have pushed and guided us to our full potential.”

Twelve graduates were recognized as valedictorians for the Class of 2024: Gracie Bullock, Allison Echelmeyer, Alison Forbis, Nathan Kever, Karoline Klebba, Sarah Knollmeyer, Enzo Lenart, Molly Maher, Ava Morris, Emily Rodriguez, Addison Slicker, and Kearra Steinlage.

“At Helias Catholic High School we are building a community of saints and scholars for Christ. That means, during the time these graduates have spent here as students at Helias Catholic, our school leadership and staff, teachers, and community have been working to help them develop academically, spiritually, and personally into the people God is calling them to be,” Helias Catholic President Ron Vossen told graduates and their loved ones in attendance. “After you leave here tonight as graduates of Helias Catholic High School, we hope you will continue to be guided by the same core values of faith, community, and excellence.”

Also recognized during Sunday’s graduation ceremony were Ava Morris and Kase Winegar, who received the American Legion Citation recognizing leadership, scholarship, and service, and Nicholas Ammons and Emily Rodriguez, who received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award recognizing citizenship, scholarship and good attendance.

“The most powerful thing we can do is send young people like you into the world,” Helias Catholic Principal Spencer Allen told the graduating class. “You are our stewards of faith, our exemplars of excellence. You are ambassadors of the Helias Catholic community.”