Graduation 2026

Class of 2026

Celebrating 146 Graduates Across Four Catholic High Schools

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FAITH KNOWLEDGE SERVICE

JUNE 19, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

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Cathedral School Natchez – Number of graduates: 37 – Number attending 4-year colleges: 23 – Number attending community colleges: 12 – Number of scholarship recipients: 27 – Largest scholarship awarded: $75,824 Mississippi State Tuition and Housing Scholarship to Whitman DeVrient – Notable next steps: Elijah Bass – entering United States Marine Corps – Total amount of scholarships offered: $812,227.92 – Total amount of scholarships accepted: $692,227.92 – Total of service hours: 6,100 over four years – Notable service projects: Vidalia Louisiana’s Brightest Stars Ball – Special Honors: Craig Beesley – Dorothy Garrity Memorial Teacher Award; Devin Gammill – George and Ninette Junkin Memorial Teacher Recognition Award; Rivers Ater – Jules Michel Faculty Recognition Trust – Mr. and Miss Cathedral: Tripp Wimberly and Olivia Navarro

VALEDICTORIAN: AVA WALKER

GPA: 4.37 – ACT: 27 From her speech: Whether we realize it or not, a large part of our individual identities so far have come from being a Cathedral student. We’ve worn uniforms, academic and athletic, that distinguished us from other schools. Those uniforms, as we know, came with expectations – from the school itself as well as our teachers and coaches. Academically, a logo on our shirts stating “disciplina ad deum ducit” (discipline leads to God) was positioned over our hearts every day as we took notes and tests within the walls of Cathedral School, calling us to work hard in our studies and pursue knowledge with integrity. Outside its walls, athletically, each team member sported green and white jerseys with Cathedral capitalized on his or her chest. Those colors, that name – weren’t just superficial identifiers. Those colors, that name – meant that we brought the same work ethic and virtue to the field as the logo on our school uniform challenged us to in the classroom.

Church: Crosspoint Church, Natchez Favorite service project: I loved helping with the Autism Awareness Walk because I enjoyed seeing children of all abilities come together, play and have fun just like any other kids.

Plans to attend: Samford University, Birmingham Plans to study: Human Development and Family Science (BA), School of Education

Scholarships: Crosland Scholarship; and Stella G & Stuart Handy Memorial Scholarship

tional Honor Society Class Representative (2024-2025)

Awards/honors: Highest average in Career Development, Religion, English, and Art II

Activities: Member of Student Government (20252026); Member of Key Club (2023-2025); Member of National Honors Society (20232025); Participant in Cathedral Quiz Bowl (2024-2025); Member of Cathedral Golf Team (2022-2025); and Intern at Parse AI (2025-2026)

Activities: Dance Team (co-captain); Ballet; Singing on church worship team Favorite subject: English Yearbook quote: “Let nothing trouble you. Let nothing make you afraid, all things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains everything. God above is enough.” – St. Teresa

SALUTATORIAN: WHITMAN DEVRIENT

GPA: 4.00 – ACT: 33 (composite) From his speech: But here’s the thing, even if you didn’t think you would be sitting here today, the community believed you could make it here. Your parents believed, your teachers believed, and your classmates believed that you could not only make it here, but go even further. They see big things in your future.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University, Starkville Plans to study: Mechanical Engineering Scholarships: Mississippi State Tuition and Housing Scholarship; STAR Student Scholarship; Bagley College of Engineering Scholarship; and Federal Pell Grant Awards/honors: Principal’s List (2022-2025); S.A.I.N.T (sincere, admirable, inspiring, noble, and thoughtful) Award Recipient (2025); Highest Class ACT; Student Government President (2025-2026); Na-

Favorite subject: Lunch … (or also Calculus) Yearbook quote: “They misunderestimated me” – George Bush

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JUNE 19, 2026

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St. Joseph Madison

– Number of graduates: 58

MS Air Force National Guard

– Number attending 4-year colleges: 44

– Total scholarships offered: $2,969,222

– Number attending community colleges: 10

– Total scholarships accepted: $1,148,996

– Number of scholarship recipients: 36

– Total amount of service hours: 11,474 hours over four years – Notable service projects: Raised $18,134.23 through the BruinTHON fundraiser for UMMC Children’s Hospital.

– Special honors: STAR Teacher – Patricia Luscomb – Mr. and Miss St. Joe: Charlie Ring and Zaniah Purvis

– Largest scholarship awarded: $308,120 Scholarship from Emory University to Zaniah Purvis – Notable next steps: Atticus Gomez – Swarthmore College, PA; Henry Turner – United States Navy, Special Forces; Colby Jones –

VALEDICTORIAN:

items for the American Cancer Society and touring their facility.

JOHN MATTHEW WILLIAMS

Plans to attend: Emory University

GPA: 4.379 – ACT: 35

Plans to study: Biology (Pre Med Track)

Church: St. Francis Catholic Church, Madison

Awards/honors: National Merit Commended; Student Body President; DAR Good Citizen Award; Advanced Placement Scholar; MSPA Best in Studio Anchor; MS Youth Legislature Outstanding Representative 2024; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Science National Honor Society

Favorite service project: Volunteering for Why Not Now to help those less fortunate Plans to attend: Mississippi State University, Starkville Plans to study: Aerospace Engineering Awards/honors: National Merit Finalist; Presidential Scholar Nominee; STAR Student; HOBY Youth Leadership Program; Boys State Senator; Advanced Placement Scholar; National Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Principal’s

Activities: BruinTHON; Madison Mayor’s Youth Council; Nightingale Youth Advocacy Team; Spirit Steppers Dance Team; Student Council

MADISON – Seniors John Dean D’Antonio, Colby Jones, Henry Turner and Drew Wamble sit atop the St. Joseph Catholic School sign at the entrance to the campus, while sporting their college shirts. (Photo courtesy of school) Honor Roll; 30+ Club Activities: Varsity Swim Team; Coaching Swim Team; Cross Country Team; Retreat Team; Varsity Football Favorite subject: Engineering; AP Computer Science Principles

SALUTATORIAN: ZANIAH ROYALE PURVIS GPA: 4.23 – ACT: 33

Church: Word of Life Church, Jackson Metro Area Favorite service project: Collecting

Favorite subject: AP Calculus (St. Joseph, M a d i s o n Valedictorian and Salutatorian speeches not provided.)

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JUNE 19, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

VICKSBURG – (Below) St. Al seniors – Carson Gleese and Carson Henderson pose with their little buddy Arthur. (Photo by Chesley Lambiotte)

NATCHEZ – (Above) Mollie Foster and Ava Walker are all smiles during the Senior Walk-through at Cathedral School. (Photo by Brandi Boles)

MADISON – (Above) St. Joseph seniors Colby Jones, and John Dean D’Antonio stock the food pantry at Our Daily Bread in Canton, part of the Senior Day of Service on Friday, March 27, 2026.

(Photos by Terry Cassreino) GREENVILLE – (Left) Jionni Thomas, Sarai Hernandez, Javan Goins and Leslie Vallejo help unload a donation for the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry at St. Joseph School. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JUNE 19, 2026

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VICKSBURG – Crawley Haller and Mallory Hobson celebrate with confetti after graduation from St. Aloysius School. (Photo by Anna Griffing) (Below) “GB” Bunch and Caleb Jones deliver goods to the community storehouse food pantry as a part of a service project. (Photo by Chesley Lambiotte)

CAMDEN – St. Joseph Senior Henry Turner sweeps the sanctuary at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Camden, part of the Senior Day of Service on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Photo by Terry Cassreino)

GREENVILLE – Kelsey Marroquin, Leslie Vallejo, Kennedy Richardson, Aniya Evans and Keviney Matthews get ready to place flowers at Mary’s feet for during a May Crowning celebration. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)

JUNE 19, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

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St. Joseph Greenville – Number of graduates: 20 – Number of students attending 4-year colleges: 13 – Number of students attending community colleges: 6 – Number of scholarship recipients: 16 – Largest scholarship awarded: $64,000 Scholarship from Xavier University of Louisiana to Kennedy Richardson – Total amount of scholarships offered: $1,623,142 – Total amount of scholarships accepted: $351,000 – Total amount of service hours: 1,708.5 – Notable Service Projects: Rise Against Hunger; St. Vincent de Paul; National Honor Society delivered Christmas gifts at Mississippi Care Center of Greenville – Special honors: STAR teacher – Mr. Brian Speck – Mr. and Miss St. Joe: Victor Baker and Kennedy Richardson

VALEDICTORIAN: VICTOR CURTIS BAKER GPA: 4.2222 – ACT: 28

From his speech: I truly believe that God has guided us through every step of this journey. Without Him, none of us would be here today. So as we move forward into college, careers, or wherever life takes us – I hope we remain grateful for the opportunities we’ve been given, for the people who supported us, and for every moment that helped shape our story.

Church: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Greenville Favorite service project: My favorite service project was working on a canned food drive for St. Vincent de Paul. This project humbled me by seeing the poorest part of the state and the many people in need. It was great to talk to these people and make their day as we gave them food and clothing.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University, Starkville Medicine

Plans to study: Veterinary

Scholarships: Mississippi State University Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship; STAR Student Scholarship; Mississippi Boys State Scholarship; Lucky Day Scholars Program; Washington County Mississippi State University Alumni Scholarship; First Mid Delta Corvette Club Scholarship; Schelben Trust Scholarship; Valedictorian Scholarship Awards/honors: National Honors Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Raymond Faulkner Award; Sandra Mc-

gaugh Award; Woodman of the World; STAR Student; Farm Bureau Ag Art Contest Winner; 2026 Mr. St Joe (Hall of Fame); Most Athletic – class award; Mississippi Scholars Award; Christian Character Award, Boys State, HOBY, Rotary Youth Leadership Award; MAIS Football State Champion (2022 and 2023); 2023, 2024 MAIS Futures All star Game (2023 and 2024); MAIS All Star Game (2025); MAIS Soccer All Star (2026); Brandon Burlsworth Character Award; and over 40 Highest Average class/subject awards Activities: Senior Class President; Football; Basketball; Soccer; Track; Archery; Golf Favorite subject: History Yearbook quote: “I have 6-7 years left of school before I have to do this again”

SALUTATORIAN: GABRIEL ANGAD THEUNISSEN GPA: 4.2162 – ACT: 27

From his speech: As you leave this well-oiled machine that we know as our alma mater, remember the valuable lessons that you have learned within. Carry with you the teachings, principles, ethics, and virtues that have been instilled within you. As you move on to the next chapter of your life, do not be afraid to face difficulties, challenges, or problems, for you are rooted in the One who is above all things: that is, God. When you face the fires of your next chapter, know that you can extinguish them with God on your side. Let us go forth into our graduation ceremony knowing Immanuel, which is Hebrew for “God is with us.”

Church: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Greenville Favorite service project: My favorite project was assisting with our local St. Vincent de Paul Society.

I truly enjoyed helping those in my community and being a friend to those who need it the most.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University, Starkville Plans to study: Agricultural Engineering Scholarships: Mississippi State University Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship; Mississippi State University Student Body President Scholarship; Mississippi Boys State Scholarship; Promise Scholarship; Melio Sandroni Scholarship; Philip Oxner Scholarship; Woodman Life Focus Scholarship; Hugh M. Arant Scholarship; Thomas H. Scott Scholarship; Washington County Mississippi State University Alumni Scholarship; Washington County Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship; Greenville Knights of Columbus Scholarship Awards/honors: Bishop Chance Youth Award; Monsignor Martin Moloney Award; Knights of Columbus Award; Boy’s State participant; Mississippi Scholars award; Principal’s Award; Mu Alpha Theta; and Principal’s List/Distinguished Honor Roll Activities: Head Football and Basketball Manager; Head Sound Tech at school; Master of Ceremonies and Lector at St. Joseph Church; Student Government President; and Elderly Care Favorite subject: Physics and Religion Yearbook quote: “Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly, knowing that He is with you. Therefore, no harm can befall you.”

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JUNE 19, 2026

St. Aloysius Vicksburg

– Number of graduates: 31

– Notable next steps: Rio Grande Community College (farthest)

– Number of students attending 4-year colleges: 28

– Total amount of service hours: 19,624 – Notable service projects: Community Storehouse Food Pantry; Senior Buddy Program; Special Olympics Basketball Tournament; Meals on Wheels; and United Way Supper on the Sip. – Special Honors: Elizabeth Bednar is only one of two in the diocese to be honored as a National Merit Scholar. STAR Teacher – Brian Blanch

– Number of students attending community colleges: 3 – Number of scholarship recipients: 24 – Largest scholarship awarded: $500,000 from Seton Hall University to William Roberson – Total amount of scholarships accepted: $2,100,000

VALEDICTORIAN: ELIZABETH PAULA BEDNAR GPA: 4.63 – ACT: 35

From her speech: Start a conversation with a classmate you know the name of but not the first thing about. Give each other grace and forgiveness as you navigate the twists and turns and trials and tribulations of life. Be patient with and kind to each other as you and your classmates try to decipher your passions, vocations, careers, goals, and dreams.

Invite everyone to the events you host. Take a picture with the person you don’t know that well. Make memories with everyone, not just your closest friends.

Reach out to those who you know are going through a rough time. Don’t let grudges and petty arguments get in the way of your friendships.

Love each other like God would. These are the people you’ll dance with at homecoming and prom.

These are the people you’ll cheer for at countless senior nights. These are the people you’ll find God with on senior retreat. These are the people you’ll become the best version of yourselves alongside.

Cherish them. Support them.

Include them. Love them.

I know my class is an amazing class, filled with leaders, scholars, athletes, role models, and friends, but it’s not our individual accomplishments that make our class so amazing and noteworthy – it’s our love for each other.

– Mr. and Miss St. Al: Sadler Lambiotte and Taryn Lusby

Church: St. Michael Catholic Church, Vicksburg Favorite service project: My favorite service project was doing activities with our senior buddies because it reminded me of when I was in kindergarten.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University, Starkville Plans to study: Particle Physics Awards/honors: STAR student; National Merit Scholar; St. Aloysius Young Leaders Award; Bausch and Lomb Science Award; Bishop Chanche Youth Award; ERDC Alumni Scholarship Activities: Flashettes Dance Team; Academic Quiz Bowl (team captain); Key Club; Choir; Math and Science Team Favorite subject: Physics Yearbook quote: “There’s as many atoms in a single molecule of DNA as there are stars in the typical galaxy. We are, each of us, a little universe.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson

SALUTATORIAN: KINLEY MADGE LOTT GPA: 4.60 – ACT: 30

From her speech: Congratulations Class of 2026. We made it to the day we have all dreamed of. Every single one of us will be walking across this stage today and I

couldn’t be prouder. Continue walking in the footsteps you have created, on a path with God as your mentor. Continue to pursue your dreams, and remember, if the stress gets to you, just breathe and know it is going to be okay.

Each of you are going to do great things.

Church: St. Paul Catholic Church, Vicksburg Favorite service project: Operation Christmas Child Shoebox is a favorite project of mine because it is a great way to share the Gospel.

Plans to attend: Mississippi State University, Starkville Plans to study: Biochemistry Awards/honors: All-American and All-Star Cheerleader; and Christian Living Scholarship Finalist Activities: Cheer; Key Club; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Diamond Girls; Retreat Team; Liturgical Team; Chick-fil-a Leadership Favorite subject: Math Yearbook quote: “Just hold on, just breathe, the world is hard on beautiful things.” – Megan Moroney

JUNE 19, 2026 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

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CoNGratulatioNS to the ClaSS oF 2026

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As the Class of 2026 takes the next step on its journey, may each graduate remain rooted in Christ, guided by wisdom and inspired to use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Congratulations, graduates. We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited for all that lies ahead.

— Joni House, Executive Director of Catholic Education

St. JoSeph CatholiC SChool – MadiSoN – Joseph Aaden Anthony Anderson Peeples Barrett Iliana Mackenzie Blount Lauryn Michele Blue Rowan James Buck Kathryn Elizabeth Callegan Matthew Wu Di Cassreino Adrienne Simone Chandler Thomas Reagan Coleman Chase Braxton Cox McKenzie Lee Cummings Spencer Nolan Curtis John Dean D’Antonio Steele Goodwin Davis Alexa Nicole Donaldson Chamblee Elizabeth Ezelle William Thierry Freeman Jack Edward Frost Miguel Alejandro Galvan Kristopher John Gaylor London Alexander Glass Atticus Emanuel Gomez Christopher Hancesom Gordon Reid Gabriel Hager Jhayce Dejung Harris Sawyer Reed Helms Alexander Julian Hood Daniel Newland Inman Colby Michael Jones

Jordin Lorraine Keyes Katherine Elizabeth Lancaster Gypsy Damiana Macias Brian Gerardo Maldonado Lily Marie Malouf Jada Korin Myers Abigail Elizabeth Myles Emma Claire Newell Clarence Anchang Ngong Branson Kincaid Payne Clarence Cullam Pope, IV Zaniah Royal Purvis Talia Benét Ramos Lily Claire Ratcliffe Charles O’Neill Ring, III Sadie Grace Rogers Eliza Kate Rowlett Marlei Renaye Shepherd JoEllen Suzanne Talley Robert Henry Turner Nathan Gabriel Vuelban Ashton Myles Walker Andrew Wayne Wamble, Jr. MaKenzie DeAnna Ward Matthew Dominic Weisenberger Calese Cymone White John Matthew Williams Len Byrd Williams, III Mykal Michele Williams

St. JoSeph CatholiC SChool – GreeNville – Victor Curtis Baker Jalandrea Simone Baldwin Aniya Danielle Evans Ronnie Allen Evans, Jr. Javan Keandre Goins Sarai Hernandez Schyla C. Johnson Kelsey Gabrielle Marroquin Keviney Lanette Matthews Ka’Darius Ty’Quan McClure

Jayden Marquee Moore Tyler Jamal Mosby Jamiya Jamese Phinisee Kennedy A. Richardson Emmanuel Dewayne Scott Gabriel Angad Theunissen Jionni Marie Thomas Leslie Grabriella Vallejo Kennedi Danyale Williams Tyler Monte Young

ClaSS oF 2026 – by the NuMberS 146 Graduates 103 Scholarship Recipients 108 Attending Four-Year Colleges 31 Attending Community Colleges $6.16 Million Scholarships Offered $5.21 Million Scholarships Accepted 38,906 Service hours completed over 4 Years of High School

Cathedral CatholiC SChool – NatChez – Elijah Earl Bass Ally Elizabeth Blanton Joshua Paul Britt Bodi Haze Brumfield Christian Reid Burkley Tralyn Esau Cusic Emma Manette Dawkins Whitman Orrin DeVrient Houston Davis Edwards Tristan Ries Fondren Barrett Prentiss Foster Mollie Katherine Foster Grayson Douglas Gay Presley Ann Gregg Austin Lee Hoggatt Sadie Analiese Holland Taylor Rayne Horton Amani Savannah Ishman Amaya Sheyenne Ishman

Addison Kimberly Johnson Faith Anne Johnson Ava Marie Jones Douglas Owen Jordan II Lynlee Claire Kingsafer Terrance Lamont Lee Rachel Maria Misita Olivia Gracie Navarro Adam Walker Probst Molly Reese Shirley Elizabeth Eloise Skates Brittany Carolann Smith Ja’Shaun Marshall Smoot Jack Henry Stubbs Bailey Grace Waggoner Ava Kate Walker Katherine Ruby Whitman Michael Randolph Wimberly, III

St. aloySiuS CatholiC SChool – viCkSburG – Elizabeth Paula Bednar Hayden Margaret Bell James Emerson Blackburn Dinah Ruth Britton Robert Beauman Brogdon Garrod Deron Maurice Bunch Matthew Joseph Busby McKenzie Leigh Cameron Malachi Clayton Cox Jeffrey Holden Davidson Carson Dion Gleese Crawley Woods Haller Carson Rhea Henderson Carter Bradley Henderson Mallory Louise Hobson Jada Kalilah Joyce Hogan

Caleb Harris Jones Sadler Fine Lambiotte Olivia Rose Larsen James Edward Lee Robert Douglas Lee Briley Jean Lott Kinley Madge Lott Tayrn Miles Lusby Allen Slade Lyons Melanie Nunez Clay Louis Pierce Mary Farrell Roberson William Mclendon Roberson Pierson Rawls Smith Alan Brian Stauts