The Class of 2025 graduation was held May 11 at St. Joseph Church. The valedictorian and salutatorian served as commencement speakers. The valedictorian was Olivia Keisling. The salutatorian was Isabelle ‘Izzie’ Garrett, daughter of Michael and Karen Garrett. She is attending the University of Missouri to study accounting.
Other graduates were:
Emma Pearl Allison
Harley Marie Campbell
Ava Grace Cooper
Aimsley Joy Davis
Alexandria Elise Evans
Price Anderson Harmon
Noah Benjamin Charles Hoelzeman
Owen Avery Imboden
Laiken Reese Keathley
Kayden Alan Kordsmeier
Garry Alexander Lehmkuhl
Evan Joseph McMillian
Kate Savannah Nabholz
Keirsten Marie Nutt
Vincent Bienduc Pham
Bailey Caroline Pope
Jacob David Rappold
Isis Michell Reynaud-Martinez
Ella Stephanie Rose
Wade Samuel Simon
Andrew Collin Skinner
Daniel Gordon Trusty
Alex Matthew Tucker
Lily Nyambura Danielle Vaughn
William Elijah Vick
Gabriel James Washum
Anne-Marie DeShea Welter
Leif Kristian Westmoreland
Kaylee Michelle Zimmerebner
Valedictorian
Olivia Keisling, 18
Parish: St. Joseph
Parents: Trent and Leslie Keisling
College and major: University of Arkansas, accounting
What goals do you want to pursue after college? After college, my goal is to complete a master’s degree in accounting and sit for the CPA exam. I’m still exploring what specific area I want to go into, but I’m interested in possibly becoming a financial analyst. I’m keeping an open mind as I gain more experience, but whatever path I take, I want it to be one where I can keep learning, challenge myself, and make a positive impact.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date? My proudest accomplishment is being elected senior class president. This asked a lot of me, especially stepping up to give speeches as public speaking has always been something I dreaded. While it was intimidating at first, it taught me that growth happens when we’re uncomfortable. I still don’t love public speaking, but I’ve proven to myself that I can do hard things and grow from them.
How will your faith be a part of your future? Although I attended Catholic school my whole life, I am very much a new Catholic— I was just baptized this past Easter. Joining the Church was a meaningful and personal decision, and I’m excited to continue growing in my faith. As I head to a large public university, I’ve already joined the Catholic ministry on campus to stay connected and deepen my spiritual life. I know my faith will continue to shape how I treat others, make decisions and find purpose in this next chapter.
Scholarships: Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship and the University of Arkansas Honors College Fellowship
High school honors and awards: Senior Class President, National Merit Commended Scholar, Academic Excellence in English I, Honors Physical Science, Honors Algebra I, Theology I, Honors English II, Honors Biology, Honors Algebra II, Theology II, Honors English III, Honors US History, Honors Anatomy, Honors Chemistry, Theology III, Concurrent Calculus Preparation, Spanish II, Honors English IV, Theology IV, Concurrent Calculus I, Cheerleading Purple and Gold Award, Soccer Most Improved, Leadership, 3A North All-Conference
