Courtesy photo Holy Name High School recently held its first graduation ceremony in 53 years. The HNHS — A Chesterton Academy Class of 2024 includes the following graduates (pictured left to right): Katelyn Rexford, Lindsay ­Maloney, Piper Burrows, Helen McBroom, Roman Zeise, and Nicholas Mitchell.

ESCANABA — Holy Name Catholic School recently held two graduations — one for eighth graders and one for twelfth graders, the latter in a historic event — Holy Name High School’s first graduation ceremony in 53 years.

HNCS celebrated the thirteen eighth grade graduates on Thursday, May 30 at the elementary school gym. Then, on Friday, May 31, the school community came together to celebrate the six graduates of HNHS — A Chesterton Academy, at St. Anne Catholic Church (which is physically connected to HNHS). Approximately 300 Holy Name alumni, family members, friends, and community members attended the ceremonies.

When the original Holy Name High School closed in 1971, three classes of students had to finish their high school courses at surrounding schools. These students who attended other schools to complete their high school careers were recognized at the HNHS graduation ceremony with special HNHS Honorary Diplomas. The students in these classes would have graduated in 1972, 1973 and 1974.

At their ceremony, HNHS graduates were awarded a total of $18,000 in college scholarships, donated by Holy Name alumni. Graduates were also awarded scholarships outside of Holy Name. In addition, representatives from Greenstone Farm Credit Services attended the awards ceremony and presented a scholarship to HNHS Graduate Helen McBroom.

“We are so blessed with a wonderful group of alumni benefactors. They are committed to helping our graduates succeed after high school through their generous donations,” said Holy Name’s Alumni/Development Director Michelle Bink of the scholarships given to the graduates.

HNHS Headmaster Mark Surrell said of the graduates: “These students are truly amazing. This first graduating class has a beautiful pioneering and apostolic spirit. They embody the virtues of faith, industry, and trust in God — not just the students, but the parents and families too. Some people thought this school was a risky experiment, but we’ll ultimately be judged by our fruits, and I am so impressed with these students and how they’ve grown over the last three years.”

In her address to the eighth-grade graduates at their ceremony, HNCS eighth grade teacher and class advisor Amy Prey advised, “Never lose that special place in your heart for your fellow Holy Name classmates; you will always share the unbreakable bond of being Crusaders. Most importantly, keep God central in all that you do. He will support and guide you along your path if you are willing to listen to Him and to answer His call.”

Also at the eighth grade graduation ceremony, Deacon Bob Berbohm addressed the graduates.

“Although this class is small, you are a mighty group,” he said. “Eighth grade graduates: I applaud you. Please remember: Stay strong; be a leader, not a follower. Your journey has been guided by God. Go make disciples of all nations.”

Father Timothy Ferguson, HNCS/HNHS Pastoral Delegate and Pastor of St. Joseph & St. Patrick’s Parish, and St. Thomas/St. Anthony Parishes, addressed the twelfth grade graduates and read a letter from Most Reverend Bishop John Doerfler with a message to the graduates.

Holy Name Catholic School and Holy Name High School — A Chesterton Academy are currently offering open registration to students for the 2024-2025 school year. Call the school office at 906-786-7550 for more information or visit holynamecrusaders.com.