Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of St. Augustine, Fla., was the speaker at the May 17 graduation at St. Joseph Church in Tontitown. The valedictorian was Kamdyn Mentuis. The salutatorian was Oscar Burney, son of Michael and Emily Burney. He will study through the House of Formation in Little Rock as a diocesan seminarian.
Other graduates were:
Emma Casey
Ruby Castillo
Maddy Fendyan
Omar Gonzalez
Maddie James
Vincenzo Kleiner
Richard Lopez
Landen Maas
Lupita Martinez
Ellie Montiel
Regina Mora
Gustavo Pena
Isaac Pohlmeier
Patrick Rocha
Camila Rodriguez
Abe Sanchez
Joey Squillace
Tony Trujilllo
Matthew Webb
Valedictorian
Kamdyn Mentuis, 18
Parish: St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Parents: Krissa and Chad Mentuis
College and major: University of Arkansas Honors College, nursing
What goals do you plan to pursue after college? After college, I plan to pursue a master’s in nursing with plans to be a pediatric nurse practitioner.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date? My proudest accomplishment to date is being named a Coca-Cola semi-finalist among the 1.45 percent selected from over 103,800 applicants from across the country… My dedication to academic excellence was recognized among some of the top students in the country.
How will your faith be a part of your future? I plan to pursue my faith during college by actively participating in Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Arkansas, including attending Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas, participating in Bible studies, retreats, intramurals and becoming a summer missionary through LifeTeen.
Scholarships: Honors Academy Scholarship, Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, Knights of Columbus Scholarship
High school honors and awards: Coca-Cola Scholarship semi-finalist, College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award, 4.0 GPA Society for four years, Arkansas Governor’s School nominee, National Honor Society secretary, Notre Dame Ethics and Culture Conference recipient, Academic Excellence Awards in chemistry, health, Drama II, Latin III, English I and Religion I, Medical Application of Science and Health Program recipient, All-Conference Volleyball Team, Varsity Volleyball Most Spirited, Varsity Volleyball Rookie of the Year, National Cheer Association Individual Leadership Award and All-American Cheer Team
