The graduation for Sacred Heart High School was held May 18 at Sacred Heart Church. The valedictorians were Ayla Grace Hoelzeman, Ava Caudell, Nick Wahrmund, Wade Sommers and Landon Owens. Emily Stengel, daughter of Matt and Mary Stengel, was the salutatorian. She will study English education at the University of Arkansas.
Other graduates were:
Skiler Bailey
Matt Buser
Shelby Carpenter
Hailey Larson
Samantha Miller
Luke Paladino
Valedictorians
Ayla Grace Hoelzeman, 18
Parish: Sacred Heart
Parents: Josh and Laura Hoelzeman
College and major: University of Arkansas, biology (pre-dental)
What goals do you plan to pursue after college? After college, I plan to attend dental school and hopefully own a dental practice one day.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date? My proudest accomplishment so far is becoming student council president—a role I had always dreamed of. I’m proud that I led with integrity, aimed to improve everyone’s school experience and served as a positive role model for younger students.
How will your faith be a part of your future? My Catholic faith will help me stay grounded as I go through college, reminding me to trust in God through all of the change ahead. I’m not sure exactly what my future will look like, but keeping my faith at the center of my life will allow me to live with purpose and let Christ be a part of all the fun and challenges that come my way.
Scholarships: University of Arkansas Honors College Scholarship, Kiwanis Club Scholarship, Knights of Columbus Scholarship, Rotary Club Scholarship and Petit Jean Garden Club.
High school honors and awards: Student Council president, Beta Club vice president, Key Club, School Counts Graduate, Outstanding Seniors
Ava Caudell, 18
Parish: Sacred Heart
Parents: Rhonda Beck and Travis and Whitney Caudell
College and major: University of Central Arkansas, biology/pre-med
What goals do you plan to pursue after college? I plan to go into the medical field, and I aspire to become a plastic surgeon.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date? I would have to say my greatest accomplishments are scoring a 32 on the ACT and competing at the Westminster Dog Show five times.
How will your faith be a part of your future? I intend to keep faith a priority in my life outside of high school. Whether it is through campus ministry or church on the weekends, I know God will guide.
Scholarships: Governors, Arkansas Academic Challenge, UCA Achievement Scholarship
High school honors and awards: Girls’ state, Student Council, Key Club vice president, Beta Club.
Nick Wahrmund, 18
Parish: St. Joseph, Center Ridge
Parents: John and Rhonda Wahrmund
College and major: Arkansas Tech University, finance
What goals do you want to pursue after college? A career in the banking field
What is your proudest accomplishment to date? Graduating as a valedictorian
How will your faith be a part of your future? My faith will guide every decision I make. It is part of who I am.
Scholarships: Arkansas Tech University Academic Scholarship, Koontz Electric Scholarship, Adelaide Skilled Trade Scholarship and Jack Poole Memorial Scholarship, Knights of Columbus Scholarship
High school honors and awards: School Counts, Key Club, Beta Club
Wade Sommers, 18
Parish: St. Mary, Saint Vincent
Parents: Justin and Jessica Sommers
College and major: Arkansas State University, finance
What goals do you want to pursue after college? I plan to get a job at a regional/local bank.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date? My proudest accomplishment to date is winning Conway County Youth Citizen of the Year and making it to the 1A Quiz Bowl State Finals back-to-back years.
How will your faith be a part of your future? My faith will help me to accomplish my future goals and help guide me along the right path.
Scholarships: A-State Inspire, Conway County Farm Bureau, Quiz Bowl Scholarships, USW Local Scholarship, DAR Good Citizen Scholarship, Joe B. Hilliard Scholarship and William Fowler Scholarship
High school honors and awards: Sacred Heart Scholarship Award, Arkansas Boys State representative.
Landon Owens, 18
Parish: Sacred Heart
Parents: Terry and Jerry Owens
College and major: University of Arkansas, computer science
What goals do you want to pursue after college? Secure a good job and start a family eventually.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date? Achieving a 32 on the ACT and maintaining a 4.0.
Scholarships: Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, Chancellor Community Scholarship from UA, Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
High school honors and awards: School Counts Graduate
