Commencement ceremonies for the 144th Graduating Class of Ursuline Academy were held on May 27.
The Valedictorian Award, given to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average, was awarded to Anna Grace Rehagen. The Salutatorian Award, presented to the student with the second highest cumulative grade point average, was awarded to Isabella Rose Mihalic. The Sister Emmanuel Shea Award was presented to Mary Alice Perkins, and Samantha Maryfer Pozo Navarro received the Sedes Sapientiae Award, the highest honor conferred by Ursuline Academy at graduation.
Valedictorian Award
Anna Grace Rehagen, daughter of Chris and Sarah Rehagen, will be the fourth generation to attend University of Notre Dame. Her major is undetermined but she will study at the Mendoza School of Business and explore a minor in humanities, economics, art, or Spanish.
Anna was an Ursuline Ambassador, National Merit Commended Scholar, Pro-Life Club President, and tutor at Walnut Hill Elementary. She was also Art Editor of Esse, Ursuline's award-winning literary magazine, and her Outstanding Senior Artist Purchase Award Painting, entitled "Tea Stains," was the 2017 Esse cover.
Read excerpts from Ms. Rehagen's Valedictory Address.
Salutatorian Award
Isabella Rose Mihalic, daughter of Stephen and Angela Peterman Mihalic, will attend Texas A&M University and plans to study mechanical engineering.
Isabella was Ursuline's softball team captain and centerfielder and Secretary of the Pro-Life and Make-A-Wish Clubs. She was also a National Merit Finalist, Ursuline Ambassador, Peer Minister, and member of the National Honor Society. Isabella tutored students in reading and math at Obadiah Knight Elementary School and volunteered with Harvey's Kids, which helps special needs children. Isabella's mother was Ursuline's valedictorian in 1986.
Read excerpts from Ms. Mihalic's Salutatory Address.
Sedes Sapientiae Award
Samantha Maryfer Pozo Navarro won the Sedes Sapientiae Award for the Class of 2018. The highest award presented by the faculty, staff, and administration of the Academy, the Sedes Sapientiae Award takes its name from the Latin phrase meaning "Seat of Wisdom."
This award is presented by the faculty and administration to the graduate who exemplifies in an outstanding way the core values of Ursuline. The recipient contributes greatly to Ursuline through her optimism, compassion, and strength of character.
Samantha is "truly exceptional." She's diligent in the classroom, winning three different science awards her senior year, and one Ursuline faculty member wrote "she truly brightens everyone's day. She is brilliant, kind, and consistently has a smile on her face in all she does."
Another said: "I have wanted to nominate her for this award since her sophomore year. She's always ready to help out other students, and her optimistic view of life really helped students during review sessions and before tests and quizzes." She will attend Southern Methodist University in the fall.
Sister Emmanuel Shea Award
The Sister Emmanuel Shea Award was presented this year to Mary Alice Perkins. This award, sponsored by the Ursuline Alumnae Association, is given in honor of beloved Sister Emmanuel Shea for her years of service to the Alumnae Association. The graduates chosen to receive this award have served Ursuline willingly and generously. The most outstanding characteristic of their service has been the joy with which it has always been completed.
This resilient and reliable senior is an advocate "for those without a voice." Creative and talented, Mary Alice participated in 10 productions at Ursuline as an actor, crew member, designer, playwright, stage manager, and director. She also put a spring in our steps by voicing the announcements each morning. Many teachers and administrators have said: "She is a joy to work with, and a joy to watch grow and mature." She will attend Lewis and Clark College in the fall.
Class of 2018: Additional Awards and Recognitions
National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists
Isabella Rose Mihalic
National Merit Scholarship Program Commended
Lucy Marie Calzada
Julia Michelle Ferrara
Gabrielle Emilia Gard
Sage Elizabeth Konstanzer
Hoang-Uyen Minh Le
Valeria Margarita Marques
Emily Jane Mount
Katherine Anne Murray
Hannah Hoanganh Nguyen
Caroline Mary Peng
Ivanka Lynn Perez
Anna Grace Rehagen
Clara Frances Stadler
Alexandra Olivia Vernino
Veronica Rose Yung
National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars
Audrey Jade Ali
Gabrielle Elyse Beauregard
Lucy Marie Calzada
Grace Elizabeth Cardenas
Valeria Margarita Marques
Paola Renee Sparagana
Clara Frances Stadler