Courtesy photo Shown above are the Holy Name Catholic School Class of 2017. In the back row, from left to right, are Derek Douglas, Eastin Young, Spencer Fennell, Trever Englund, Aaron Rosendahl, and Dayton Bernson. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Grace Rexford, Ava Burrows, Lisette LaFave, Ariella Murray, Vanessa Fields, Madison Mishica, and Liliana Benoit. Three of the graduates, Kendra Bouchard, Caleb Lake and Caleb Ouwinga, were not able to attend the special Mass for the graduates.

ESCANABA — Members of Holy Name Catholic School’s Class of 2017, who will be graduating from high school this spring, visited Holy Name on Thursday, April 8 and attended a special Mass celebrated by Father Robb Jurkovich, chaplain at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group.

In his sermon to the students, Father Jurkovich encouraged the students to water the seeds of their Catholic faith and to pray the simple prayer, “Jesus, I trust in you” often. Doing this, he said, will keep them connected to Jesus Christ and help them to remember what is important in their lives.

Holy Name Principal Joseph Carlson then spoke to the graduates after Mass, describing them as a very kind, close-knit group. Carlson shared memories with the students and reminded them of their votes for Class Favorites. He thanked the students’ parents and other family members who were present for the Mass, including those who participated virtually via Zoom.us.

“You’re a great group, and I know you will go on to do great things,” Carlson said, assuring them that he is proud of their achievements. He summed up by encouraging the graduates to always remember Holy Name as they go on in their lives.

Holy Name’s Alumni/Development Director Michelle Bink also spoke to the students and gifted them — on behalf of HNCS — with San Damiano crosses (with “J.M.J. Holy Name Catholic School Class of 2017” printed on the back) and personalized gourmet cookies made just for them.

Students and their families then watched a short slideshow video showing photos from their time at Holy Name. The graduates then enjoyed lunch together and were invited to walk through the school to see their former teachers and the improvements that have been made to the building since they graduated.

Attending the Mass were Derek Douglas, Eastin Young, Spencer Fennell, Trever Englund, Aaron Rosendahl, Dayton Bernson, Grace Rexford, Ava Burrows, Lisette LaFave, Ariella Murray, Vanessa Fields, Madison Mishica, and Liliana Benoit. Three of the graduates, Kendra Bouchard, Caleb Lake and Caleb Ouwinga, were not able to attend. 

Most of the graduates will be attending college next year. Two will be playing sports in college: Madison Mishica will play women’s hockey for Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis., while Derek Douglas will compete in track and field and cross country at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn.

Holy Name Catholic School, located at 409 So. 22nd Street, is currently offering open registration for the 2021-2022 school year. Call the school office at 906-786-7550 for more information.