Turning the tassels

Knoxville Catholic presents 162 diplomas and Notre Dame awards 109 in commencement ceremonies

By Dan McWilliams

Seniors at Knoxville Catholic High School and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga have moved into the next part of their lives as they took part in commencement ceremonies in May.

Diplomas were awarded to 162 graduates of Knoxville Catholic in the school’s 94th commencement held on campus on May 15 at Blaine Stadium. On the next day, 109 graduates of Notre Dame—in the school’s 150th-anniversary year—received their diplomas at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

Bishop Mark Beckman presented the diplomas at KCHS and gave a closing prayer and blessing at both ceremonies. New superintendent Martha Mundine attended her first high-school graduations as leader of diocesan schools. Dickie Sompayrac, president of KCHS, and Notre Dame head of school Dr. Eric Schexnaildre gave welcoming remarks at the events.

The graduates from both schools have combined to earn millions of dollars in scholarships to colleges and universities spread across many states. Several graduates as well as faculty received special honors during the commencements. The athletic accomplishments of each school were also noted during the ceremonies.

Baccalaureate Masses were celebrated for the schools the day before graduation, with Bishop Beckman presiding at the KCHS liturgy on May 14 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Notre Dame Baccalaureate Mass took place on May 15 at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. School chaplain Father A.J. Houston and priests from the basilica and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga concelebrated.

‘The world needs this class’

As the KCHS graduation began, Mr. Sompayrac introduced Father Chris Michelson to give the invocation.

“God, our good and loving Father, we thank you this night for the guidance and love you have poured upon these students, our graduating class. May what they have learned here at Knoxville Catholic High over the past four years guide them as they look forward to discovering what you have in store for each of them in their future,” Father Michelson prayed. “May they continue their journey to become men and women who are noticed because of their concern and their compassion for one another. Lord, please help them to make this world a better place as they follow their call to serve the needs of the poor, the needs of the marginalized, and all those who are suffering. May they see and find you in their experiences of joy as well as in their challenges and hardships. Finally, Lord, help each of our graduates to know they are an important part of your family and the Knoxville Catholic High family.”

The KCHS band, directed by Phil Foster, then played the national anthem.

Mr. Sompayrac welcomed Bishop Beckman, Ms. Mundine, Father Michelson, Father Randy Stice, area priests, religious Sisters, deacons, honored guests, faculty and staff, and family and friends of the graduates.

“Allow me to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Bishop Mark and Ms. Mundine. Your presence tonight is evidence of your unwavering commitment to Catholic education and your steadfast support of the remarkable young men and women who make up the class of 2026,” Mr. Sompayrac said.

“While my remarks tonight are directed primarily to our graduates, we would be remiss if we failed to recognize the extraordinary role of parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors, and loved ones. Your sacrifices, encouragement, prayers, and unwavering support have helped shape these students into the people they are today. It is both humbling and inspiring to realize that you entrusted us with what is most precious to you. For that confidence and partnership, we are deeply grateful.”

The class of 2026’s “legacy extends far beyond statistics and accolades,” Mr. Sompayrac added. “You have lived the mission of Knoxville Catholic through your compassion and service to others. You’ve supported ministries and organizations such as the VERB Kind prison ministry, Second Harvest, Ladies of Charity, Backpacks for the Homeless, A Loving Adoption, and the Pregnancy Help Center, and you’ve even raised money for our diocesan seminarians. Through your actions, you’ve demonstrated what it means to live a faith rooted in service and love.”

Mr. Sompayrac told the seniors that “when the road ahead feels uncertain, remember the truths that you learned here at Knoxville Catholic: that you are never alone, that grace meets you in every challenge, and that your life has a purpose far greater than titles, accomplishments, or success. The world needs this class of 2026. We’re proud of you. We believe in you, and we send you forth with our deepest prayers and blessings.”

Knoxville Catholic honors

Before the presentation of diplomas, Mr. Sompayrac announced numerous awards:

• National Merit Commended Scholars: Miriam Campfield, Alexander Denkewalter, Álvaro Pint, and Ben Sinclair;
• Irish Parent Network Scholarship Awards: Nick Landa and Rachel Hendon;
• Irish Achievement Award: Nadalie Bellinghausen;
• Ashe-Bonnyman Scholarship Awards: Hannah Heupel and Gloria Jenkins;
• Helen J. Kennedy and Joe Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Award: Mason Marlowe;
• Monsignor Francis D. Grady Citizenship Award: Caitlin Brooks;
• James McDonald Shea and Blanche and Claire Rita Shea Scholarships: 45 recipients;
• Dr. William Edward McGhee Memorial Scholarship Award: Álvaro Pint;
• Skaggs Family Memorial Scholarship Award: Gavin Jones;
• Top 5 percent in academics: Pierce Broussard, Miriam Campfield, Katie Judd, Alexander Medlyn, Carter Muth, Helen Rose O’Reilley, Álvaro Pint, and Alex Subtirelu;
• Top 10 percent in academics: students named above plus Alexander Denkewalter, Maddie Greiner, Rachel Hendon, Hannah Heupel, Will Howell, Kailin McEnery, Karrington Pierce, and Emerion Woldemichael;
• Sedes Sapientiae (Mary, Seat of Wisdom) Award, the highest honor KCHS confers on graduating seniors, voted on by faculty and presented to two seniors who best epitomize loyalty, service, scholarship, and authentic Christian leadership: Miriam Campfield and Will Howell, each of whom gave an address to the gathering following the award presentation; and
• Irish Parent Network monetary gift to outstanding teacher of the year, voted on by faculty and staff: John LaForest.

Diploma time

Mr. Sompayrac then asked the graduates to stand, and he certified to Bishop Beckman that they have met all the criteria of different educational bodies, the diocese, and KCHS.

“It is with pride that I present to you the class of 2026,” Mr. Sompayrac said.

Ore Pumariega, vice president of student affairs, read the names of the graduates as the bishop presented the diplomas, assisted by KCHS vice president of academics Dr. Sedonna Prater.

Bishop Beckman spoke after the last senior’s name was read and mentioned Bishop James D. Niedergeses of Nashville.

“Bishop Niedergeses, who was the first bishop when I became a priest, used to always say, ‘There is nothing better than a good Catholic school.’ Knoxville Catholic High school is not a ‘good’ Catholic high school—it is a great Catholic high school,” Bishop Beckman said. “I want to thank Dickie for your incredible leadership of this community. I want to thank the administrators and priests, the faculty, the staff, and all of the parents who have supported this community in these years. And most of all, class of 2026: you are making me proud as graduates of Knoxville Catholic High School. Congratulations to all of you.”

The bishop then prayed: “Lord God, in the abundance of your mercy and goodness, enrich our graduates and safeguard them. Strengthen them with your blessings as they go forth. May they always be grateful. May they know the joy of your presence, and may your Spirit guide them every step of their way as they journey forth into the future.”

Bishop Beckman introduced newly graduated Luke Mishu, who led his fellow KCHS seniors in the Journey song “Don’t Stop Believin’” before the traditional hat toss.

Notre Dame ‘celebrates this remarkable milestone’

At the Notre Dame ceremony, Father Houston gave the invocation.

“Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. On this wonderful day, we give you thanks for bringing our graduates to the end of their time at Notre Dame High School,” he prayed. “We give you thanks for the gift of a new beginning to follow in the wonderful plan you have for each and every one of them, and we give you thanks for all of the friends and family who have supported them along the way. Almighty God, pour forth your Holy Spirit upon us abundantly. Bless us, sustain us, and strengthen us. May we feel your love all the days of our life, and may we share it with all that we meet.”

The convention center room was a bit on the warm side, Dr. Schexnaildre noted in his remarks.

“Maybe it’s fitting that we’re celebrating 150 years of our wonderful school existing because they didn’t have air conditioning either 150 years ago, so we do apologize for that,” he said.

The head of school said, “on behalf of the faculty and the class of ’26, it is my honor to welcome to our ceremony so many wonderful people. There are a lot of people to thank. A lot of people put a lot of time and effort into this. I want to give a special welcome to our parents, grandparents, and siblings of our seniors. Thank you for being here to celebrate this remarkable milestone of your student.”

Dr. Schexnaildre recognized Ms. Mundine and outgoing superintendent George Valadie.

“George is a Notre Dame High School graduate—taught, coached, admissions, advancement. He returned to be the president of Notre Dame High school for 10 years. He is Notre Dame High School. I have appreciated all the leadership and guidance that George has given me. Thank you,” Dr. Schexnaildre said.

He congratulated NDHS’s “stellar administrative team” before speaking to the seniors.

“To the class of ’26, you’re probably not going to remember anything I say. You’re just ready to get this thing over, and I understand that, but I wanted to give you maybe a little bit of wisdom,” Dr. Schexnaildre said. “This evening belongs to you. Over the course of years at Notre Dame High School, you have grown into leaders, scholars, athletes, artists, servants, and faithful young men and women of character.

“You have represented Notre Dame with excellence in the classrooms, on stages, on fields and courts, and most importantly in the way you have treated others. You have shown resilience during challenges, humility in success, and compassion in moments when people needed it the most. And now after years of hard work, sacrifice, prayer, and overcoming challenges, you sit before us to take the next step in your world.”

Ronnie Bradford, Notre Dame dean of faculty, introduced the address of remembrance by salutatorian Lila Held and the address of farewell by valedictorian Nathan Jungels.

Remembering Jim Phifer and Bubber Byrne

Laura Goodhard, dean of students, presented the James D. Phifer “Spirit of Notre Dame” Award to DaLana Brown and Cooper Campbell.

Dr. Schexnaildre gave the James Patrick “Bubber” Byrne Award for sportsmanship, character, leadership, participation in varsity sports, and personal accomplishments in athletics to Dylan Hall.

Father Houston presented the Bishop James D. Niedergeses Award for outstanding generosity and service to the community to Lila Held.

Melissa Wolff, dean of academics, gave the General Excellence Award, the highest award students can receive, which is voted on by faculty and staff for academic excellence, personal character, and general excellence in all areas of school, service, and spirit, to McKinna Wiles and Josiah Morais.

Mary Jungels, representing the Notre Dame Home and School Association, presented two faculty and staff awards. The Heart of Notre Dame Award, voted on by faculty and staff for one of their own who emulates the qualities of leadership, service, reverence, and personal involvement in the NDHS community, went to band director Marcie Smith. The Heart of the Irish Award, voted on by the senior class for a faculty member who embodies all of the virtues and good qualities they associate with NDHS, was presented to theology department chair Conor Martin.

Becoming graduates

Mr. Bradford announced the seniors’ names, and Ms. Mundine presented them with their diplomas.

Dr. Schexnaildre asked the graduates to stand and move their tassels from right to left.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Notre Dame High School class of 2026. Congratulations,” he said.

Bishop Beckman followed the head of school to the microphone.

“I want to take a moment to thank you for everything that you all have been part of in your last four years at Notre Dame,” he said.

The bishop had just arrived near the end of the commencement after being delayed on his trip from Knoxville by bridge construction on Interstate 75, but he made good use of his time while stuck in traffic.

“My first thought was: I don’t want to miss this graduation. There was nothing I could do but pray, so I pulled out my rosary, and I began to pray for you all, the graduates of Notre Dame High School, 2026,” he said. “One of the reasons I wanted to be here with you is because I love Notre Dame High School. I love what it’s doing here in the Chattanooga area. It is such a gift to this community and to the entire diocese.”

Bishop Beckman was on the staff of Notre Dame in his seminarian days.

“I will never forget the wonderful year I spent teaching here, and for me it’s a joy every time I return. But this particular class: when I met with you all earlier this year and we had that wonderful question-and-answer time together, I was so impressed with you all,” the bishop said. “I know the Lord has wonderful plans for each and every one of you, and I want to encourage you simply to say yes to wherever God calls you in life and whatever invitation He gives you. You all, if you cooperate with God’s invitations in your life, will bear God’s light to the world. I am certain of that.”

He then gave the closing prayer and final blessing.

“Gracious and loving God, in the abundance of your goodness and mercy, pour out your gifts upon these, your servants, the graduating class of Notre Dame High School of 2026. As they journey forth from this place, Lord, safeguard them. Strengthen them with your blessings. May they always carry a deep sense of gratitude and joy. May they be instruments and channels of your light in our world,” he said.

Mr. Bradford then cued the hat toss at the end of the ceremony.

“Let me be the first to welcome you to the ranks of the alumni of Notre Dame High School, whose success is only matched by their service to others. Congratulations, class of 2026 and go Irish!”

 

Maggie Parsons contributed to this article.