The milestone event was guided by this year's poignant scriptural theme from Job 8:7:
“Though your beginning was small, your future will flourish indeed.”
The graduation festivities began at St. Augustine Church with a beautiful Mass celebrated by Father Philip and Deacon Brian Kinahan.
Addressing the graduates, Deacon Brian delivered a powerful message centered on purpose and connection. “You are the salt of the earth,” he reminded them. “Not just for yourself, but salt makes better everything it touches.” He challenged the graduates to carry a six-part mission into their next chapters:
- Stay connected to your faith, community, and the people you came with.
- Use your gifts for others rather than keeping them to yourself.
- Choose love on purpose, especially in difficult moments when your light is needed most.
- Stay close to God, for in disconnection, the light fades.
- Stay original and true to who you are.
- Make sure the people around you shine, too.
"Whatever happens, don’t let your light go out, and don’t try to do it alone," Deacon Brian urged.
The celebration continued with inspiring addresses from school division leadership. Linda Ellefson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, extended her warmest congratulations, reminding students that their greatest moments of flourishing are yet to come. "Carry the wisdom of your teachers as you pursue your dreams... Be who God intended you to be," she said.
Superintendent Chantel Axani spoke to the growth of the graduates, noting that everything in life starts as a small seed. Through the Holy Spirit community, these students have built a prosperous foundation rooted in Christ.
"You possess resilience, grace, and a divine purpose to bloom wherever God plants you next," Superintendent Axani said, expressing how incredibly proud the division is of this graduating class. "You will always be St. Mary and Holy Spirit alumni—let love, service, and community be your compass. Trust that the God who sustained you in your small beginnings will sustain you always."
"The doors are open, your tank is full, and the road is yours," Mr. Van Uden concluded.
Valedictorian Nigel Linatoc then took the stage, dedicating the core of his speech to gratitude. Nigel encouraged his peers to face life's inevitable obstacles head-on. “Let life hit you as many times as it can, and when it gets tired, hit it right back,” he said. “Take control... graduating is like waking up to a new day on a bigger scale—be excited for what’s to come. Remember the past but don’t dwell on it. Tomorrow is what you should be looking at.”
Minister Grant Hunter challenged graduates to embrace their role as future leaders and citizens, encouraging them to help "keep our land glorious and free."
Tom Machacek shared three pieces of advice for the graduates as they embark on their next chapter:
• Choose happiness by making a conscious effort each day.
• Nurture strong relationships with your family and with God.
• Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Mayor Andrew Prokop encouraged students to find gratitude even on their most difficult days, to always choose kindness, and to pursue their goals with determination. He reminded graduates that if they believe in themselves and persevere through challenges, they can achieve great things and never have to give up on their hopes and dreams.
Finally, in one of the evening’s most emotional and joy-filled moments, the banquet speeches concluded with students, parents, and former Principal, now Director of Educational Services, Mrs. Michelle Nevil exchanging words of gratitude and encouragement while reflecting on the remarkable journey that had led them to this milestone.
The celebration served as a reminder that behind every graduate stands a community of support. In true St. Mary fashion, the evening reflected the spirit of a small town with a big heart, one that has helped nurture, guide, and inspire this class to flourish.
Congratulations to the St. Mary School Class of 2026!
