By Bill Brewer
Knoxville Catholic High School marked its 91st graduation ceremony on May 12 as 164 seniors walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
Commencement was held in the school’s football stadium, which was filled almost to capacity with family and friends of the graduates.
It was a remarkable achievement for a class that began its high school experience with the coronavirus pandemic. The then-freshmen would go on to attend nearly half of their high-school tenure at home in Zoom classes as the world shuttered to a halt and then slowly reopened.
But the KCHS class of 2023 posted an impressive comeback, returning to classes in school after several months and making its own KCHS history in the process.
The class of 2023 boasts a 100 percent graduation rate, with 76 percent of the graduates going on to attend a four-year college and 21 percent going on to attend a two-year college or technical school.
The seniors will be attending 51 different colleges in 18 states. The top five schools of choice for the Class of 2023 are the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Pellissippi State Community College, East Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.
The KCHS class of 2023 also will receive $18.5 million in college scholarships, the second most in school history. That compares with $16.8 million in 2022 and $15.1 million in 2021. And 153 of the 164 graduates have at least one scholarship to college, representing 93 percent of the graduating class.
KCHS president Dickie Sompayrac presided at the commencement and welcomed the family and friends of graduates. Bishop Richard F. Stika delivered the invocation and opening remarks.
Mr. Sompayrac, Bishop Stika, Diocese of Knoxville schools superintendent Dr. Sedonna Prater, and Father Chris Michelson congratulated the graduates as they received their diplomas.
It was a special night for popular longtime KCHS teacher and academic dean Jane Walker, who announced she was retiring following the 2022-23 academic year. Mrs. Walker received a standing ovation for her 31 years of service to KCHS.
“She is so much more than a teacher and our academic dean. During her tenure, she has fought for our teachers, she’s advocated for our students, and empathized with our parents in ways that are truly remarkable. She balances tough love with compassion in a way that truly exemplifies our mission. Jane has been my right arm and an invaluable resource to our school, and a big reason we have enjoyed the success we have had over these years,” Mr. Sompayrac said.
It also was a special night for English teacher Nikki Mynatt, who was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
The Sedes Sapientiae Award, which recognizes the outstanding students in the senior class who best exemplify the faith, hope, charity, and wisdom of the Blessed Mother, was presented to Kate Pettinger and Paul Liulevicius.
Bishop Stika encouraged the seniors to fondly remember their time at KCHS but also look to a bright future that includes their faith in God.
“So, how does it feel, all you seniors here at Knoxville Catholic? How does it feel for all you parents? This is my 14th graduation here in the Diocese of Knoxville and it has been a marvelous experience for me to know so many of these young women and men, who I have known since they were in kindergarten, and to hear about all of their wonderful exploits at Knoxville Catholic,” Bishop Stika said.
“These seniors have survived a great deal. To hear of this thing called COVID. Remember how uncertain that was? When would we be back in school? Would we be sick? Who would give us comfort? Perhaps we lost a loved one,” the bishop added.
He went on to enumerate other notable achievements that helped define the class of 2023: construction and completion of the St. Gregory the Great Auditorium, memorable performances both in and outside the classroom, academic and sports victories, and spiritual growth.
“I offer my congratulations. If there is one piece of advice I would share with you, it’s remain close to Jesus,” Bishop Stika said. “As I travel around the diocese during this confirmation season, I remind people that Genesis tells us that we’re all created in the image and likeness of God. What does that mean? God provides for us, for He wants us to succeed. He doesn’t want us to fail, so He gives us opportunities and gifts, challenges, and sorrows, all to build better character in our lives. He gives us family and friendships, some friendships that will endure for a long time and some that will fade in the distance of universities and colleges.”
Bishop Stika encouraged the graduates to give thanks to God for the moment of commencement, for their senior year, and each year they attended Knoxville Catholic High School. He assured them that although life is full of uncertainty, there will be plenty of light that shines because of each of them and the gifts they have to offer the world.
Mr. Sompayrac addressed the graduates before they received their diplomas, reminding them of all they overcame and accomplished in their four years at KCHS.
“Well, class of 2023, you made it. … We shouldn’t be surprised, though. This class has endured more change in the last four years than probably any class in Knoxville Catholic’s history,” Mr. Sompayrac said. “You all rolled with the punches, and quite frankly, I think you were just happy to be together.”
“One of the awesome things about being an educator is watching students come in as awkward, nervous, and sometimes shy freshmen and then leave as confident, caring, and inquisitive young adults who are so ready to influence a constantly changing world,” he continued.
Mr. Sompayrac said the class of 2023 is especially dear to him because it includes his son, Ben, and his niece, Gigi, who were only months old when he accepted the job to lead KCHS in 2005.
“To the class of 2023, as a faculty and administration, it is our hope and prayer that we have served you well over these last four years. The truth is, we are ready to see you go, not because you’ve been difficult, but because you are, in fact, ready,” he said.
Mr. Sompayrac noted that during the graduates’ senior year, the KCHS girls basketball team won its first state championship in school history.
Then the KCHS baseball team won its first state championship in school history.
The Lady Irish volleyball team won its second state championship in school history.
In addition, the girls tennis team, which achieved the No. 1 ranking in the country during the year, won its third consecutive state championship, with several of the players winning individual and doubles state titles.
And several KCHS track and field athletes won state titles in their events.
Mr. Sompayrac also singled out the KCHS arts programs and their students, who christened the new St. Gregory the Great Auditorium with band and choir performances as well as theater productions “Music Man,” “Clue,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Robotics, the Irish Media Network, mock trial, Model U.N., and Scholars Bowl also were recognized as student programs of excellence.
“Sure, the awards, the scholarships, the championships, and the accolades are awesome. But perhaps the greatest strength of this class is the friendships you have forged and how you have cared for each other,” Mr. Sompayrac said. “Class of 2023, you’ve done well, and we are proud of you. Regardless of where life takes you, remember your friends and where you came from. You have grown so much over these last four years.”
The class of 2023, along with family and friends, gathered at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on May 11 for the baccalaureate Mass, which was celebrated by Father Michelson, pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish, who also serves as special consultant to the president of KCHS.
Father Joe Reed, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, concelebrated the baccalaureate Mass.
