The path for this exceptional senior from Subiaco Academy has not been an easy one. Luis Araujo has taken it all in stride and shouldered any burdens with humility. 

A native of Fort Smith, Araujo helped his parents move to Charleston in 2023 and helps care for three younger siblings, as his parents’ work schedules are very demanding. Araujo makes the one-hour drive every day to and from school, living at home to make sure that his siblings make it to school on time and to their various activities to help his parents focus on work. 

But Araujo doesn’t let his busy schedule get in the way. He’s involved in various activities in Subiaco Academy — he’s actively involved in religious life on campus and is one of Deacon Roy Goetz’s first choices for lectors. 

“I recently got involved with being a lector,” he said. “I wanted to be more involved in Mass and not just be a spectator.”

He was also involved at Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith before his family moved, and is involved in Sacred Heart Church in Charleston, his new home. 

Araujo is also an athlete on campus. His mentality has been to play as many sports as possible, because he knows that after high school, he probably won’t have the time to play again. 

“I’ve done football, soccer, wrestling,” he said. “I’m also in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society and the jazz club.”

It’s in the Subiaco Jazz Ensemble where he also mentors other students and sets an example for other players.

Araujo hasn’t used his obstacles as excuses — he’s used them as opportunities to grow, improving academically, practicing music, playing sports and continuing to make Mass and his faith life a priority. When asked what motivates him to be involved in so many different activities and aspects of service, his answer is simple. 

“I just want to further my development,” Araujo said. “I like to stay busy, I like to feel like I’m doing something productive. That’s what motivates me, the sense of productivity.”

Arujo plans to go to college — the first in his family to do so — but also plans to enlist in the Air National Guard. His faith has motivated him to continue to be involved in a host of activities and to set an example for others too — especially his younger siblings. 

“Being Catholic has always been a big part of who we are … I like to stay deeply rooted in the faith because, since I’m the oldest, my brothers need someone to look up to, in a way, so if they see me going to Mass every Sunday, going to get Communion, going on retreats, doing everything that a good Catholic should do, they will want to be like me I hope. …

“The biggest thing that has worked for me is going to Mass regularly because it reminds you of what the bigger picture is, and what you should strive for — to be more Christ-like. … Go to Mass, participate in Communion and strive to be Christ-like.” 

Dr. Jerome C. Foss, the Endowed Professor of Catholic Thought and Culture at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., spoke at the Subiaco Academy graduation May 17. The valedictorian was Connor Wasielewski. The salutatorian was Evan Joseph Everett, son of Beth Everett and the late Dennis Everett of Van Buren. He will attend Oklahoma State University to study pre-medicine.

Other graduates are:

Luis Araujo

Sergio Arredondo

Jackson Dart

Griffin Frederick

Drew Gehrig

John George

Aden Grady

Jacob Grist

Hudson Kersh

Sebastian Kersh

Jude Thang Khual-Ngaihte

Jaden Le

Stone Lee

Marvin Menjivar

Colby Munroe

Hunter Patterson

Neil Owen Pennington

Joshua Post

Hudson Pruitt

Gabriel Rodriguez-Mensing

Aaron Roker

Darian Rolle

Jonathan Sam

Nikolai Saunders

Jason Thomas Smith

Tyler Stevens

Andrew Sweeting

Gilbert Tarmo

Valedictorian

Connor Edward Wasielewski, 18

Parish: Our Lady of the Lake, Branson, Mo. 

Parents: Tamara and Don Wasielewski 

College and major: University of Michigan, aerospace engineering and possibly double major in space sciences. 

What goals do you want to pursue after college? I plan to begin an entry-level job at Boeing or Lockheed Martin, and if I am lucky, SpaceX or NASA. My other plan includes possibly transferring to MIT or staying at UMICH for my master’s and doctorate and be called Dr. Wasielewski by the time I turn 30 and then join NASA or SpaceX at the peak of space exploration. 

What is your proudest accomplishment to date? As I’ve grown, I have learned that failure is a part of the journey to success. In January, I lost the election to become the Order of the Arrow lodge chief for the state of Arkansas by a couple of votes. The Order of the Arrow is the honor society of Boy Scouts, and lodge chief is closely related to the president of a centralized location, and in this case, I would have been the president of the honor society of Boy Scouts for nearly the entire state of Arkansas. I was devastated, and it was further amplified by the fact that I lost to one of my best friends… Even though I lost, I am most proud that the influence that I made on my lodge and friends will become a domino in a chain effect to help knock down dominoes that other scouters lay in the future. 

How will faith be a part of your future? While here, my faith has taught me that it is never fair to solely judge someone based on their appearance or beliefs. I believe that it is wrong to think of anyone as inferior, even if they happen to be different in race, skin color or sexual orientation. In the end, we are all still human beings that were born from women and raised to become the best versions of ourselves and of our parents. 

Scholarships: Victors Award Scholarship: $60,000, four-year renewable scholarship; Engineering Department Aid Scholarship: $60,000, four-year renewable scholarship

High school honors and awards: Excellence in Mathematics; Top of Class in AP History, Church History and AP Chemistry, Quiz Bowl Most Valuable Player, Quiz Bowl All-State, Eagle Scout

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

Martin Luther King Jr. said that one of life’s most persistent and urgent questions is, “What are you doing for others?”

This would be an easy answer for senior Regina Mora. Her high school career at Ozark Catholic Academy is full of examples where Mora has been doing for others and preparing herself for a career in service.

Mora attended St. Vincent de Paul School in Rogers, where she graduated. She said she chose to continue her Catholic education and go to OCA because she wanted to be able to continue to receive the sacraments. 

“I also liked the smallness of the school and the personal relationships I could form because of the size,” she said.

Mora also wasn’t shy about getting involved. She participated in dance, archery and volleyball, while also expanding her horizons in clubs such as Letters of Love and the Art Club. Mora even pushed herself beyond her comfort zone to perform a monologue for her drama class’s production of “Evening of the Arts at OCA.”

But it was her role as president of the National Honor Society where Mora really flexed her leadership muscles.

College preparedness counselor Caroline Elser said, “Regina led several dozen high school students and that is no easy feat, even for adults…. She was the first person to volunteer and always followed through on her word. She has a heart for service.”

Through NHS, Mora organized students in making cards for the elderly at a local nursing home, hosted several fundraisers and sold candy-grams to increase friendship at the school. 

Another class that Mora found herself enjoying while developing her photography skills was being on the yearbook staff. Mora was one of two photo editors, allowing the school to create two books in one year.

“Regina knows how to lead so that others will follow her,” faculty yearbook adviser Nicole Doke said. “Her sincere personality leads to a positive environment that others want to be a part of, and I imagine she will continue to evangelize through her future vocation in nursing.”

Following graduation, Mora, daughter of Jose and Maria Mora, plans to attend John Brown University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Her goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). 

Mora’s dedication to serving others has set her on a path to do more of the same in her career choice. 

“Don’t worry about what others think of you, believe in yourself and work hard,” Mora advised. 

Elser added, “As someone who has spent much of her time in high school volunteering and serving others, it makes sense that she is going into a profession dedicated to caring for others. She is humble and kind and is led in everything by her Catholic faith. She is just the kind of person you would want caring for you or a loved one if ill or injured.”

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

It was the final seconds of a tied summertime exhibition basketball game last year for the Knights of Sacred Heart School in Morrilton against their rival, the Daredevils of Wonderview High School in Hattieville, and Luke Paladino had the ball. 

The 18-year-old senior did what he always does — he made an unforgettable impact. 

“They passed me the ball, and I went to the hoop and put it in. It was pretty awesome. It means a lot. It was great. We can always hold it over their heads that we beat them at least once,” he said. “Even if it wasn’t in-season, it still counted to us.”

Whether scoring the game-winning point, cleaning up after school dances or staying late to help his teachers, Paladino is a leader who always gives back to the school he’s attended since kindergarten. 

“I’ve always been taught to give back; to give of yourself to others. I really believe in that. I find myself doing that. I give back to others,” he said. “… Jesus died for our sins, the least we can do is give a little to others and show what he did for us.” 

Paladino, the second oldest of four children to Justin and Nichole Paladino, earned a 3.87 GPA. He was involved in several sports and activities at Sacred Heart, including golf, basketball, baseball, the trap team, Beta Club and Key Club. In basketball and baseball, he earned all-conference this year, and in basketball, he was selected ninth in all-state. Paladino is active in CYM and altar serving for the parish.

“Key Club is definitely my favorite. We work with disabled, special kids in Morrilton through Action Services. We put on two events every year: a fishing derby and a spring festival. We dance with them, and all sorts of fun stuff and get to know them,” Paladino said. “There’s a guy, one of our clients, named Kyle. I’ve fished with him, I love Kyle. He’s just like me, he’s very social.” 

Paladino said his graduating class is a close bunch with just 12 students. 

“My class is what’s good about a little school. We all get along really good, and there’s not really outcasts. We have our good days and bad. We’re always popping jokes; even outside of school we hang out,” he said. “I’ll definitely miss the kids and how close everyone is here. I’m a senior and I could be buddies with a seventh or eighth grader. We’re all around each other constantly.” 

Paladino will enter the nursing program at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. After a required year of working in an intensive care unit, he’ll apply to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). 

In reflecting on his time at Sacred Heart School, Paladino said honesty is the lesson he’ll carry into his future. 

“Sacred Heart has taught me a lot. The teachers were great. One of my English teachers is basically my second mom,” he said. “It’s taught me all kinds of good qualities. Honesty is something I’ll always carry with me. I believe it can get you through life. It’s a really sheltered, cultured atmosphere. I guess the big world is coming for me.” 

Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock is where many high-achieving high school girls in the capital city call home. And this year’s exceptional senior, Lauren Halter, is no exception. But she’s involved in so many activities that one has to wonder when she sleeps. 

“I don’t sleep much, but I love it when I do,” she said with a laugh.

Halter, 18, a parishioner at Christ the King Church in Little Rock, has spent more than 250 hours in high school serving organizations, such as the 20th Century Club, CARTI, Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock, Women and Children First and the American Heart Association. 

As an Angel of Hope for the 20th Century Club, she was one of nine students who earned the Service Above Self Award by clocking more than 100 hours. She was also one of three students who earned the Guardian Angel Award for her dedication to service and willingness to help others. Halter also received the Teen of Impact Fundraiser Award for raising at least $1,500 while she was an American Heart Association Sweetheart. 

With a 4.5 GPA, Halter takes school as seriously as she takes volunteering in her community. She’s also active in the French Club, Investment Club, Future Healthcare Professionals Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and she’s a fire marshal for the all-girls’ school. 

“(My faith) definitely keeps me focused and calm. It’s like a very meditative process for me,” Halter said. “I’m not super involved — I go to Mass obviously — but it definitely keeps me with a purpose and helps me focus on what is really important. If I catch myself thinking about stressing out about a little thing, I realize in the big scheme of things.”

Of her high school mentors, without missing a beat, she said, “Captain Pursley.”

Captain Scott Pursley, a science teacher, “was very scary and intimidating” to Halter at first. But his teaching style helped prepare her for college and a career. 

“He’s been my teacher for the last three years, and he is awesome. I have looked up to him every single year. … I definitely love his teaching style. It kept me up to date with the material because we had a test every class, pretty much, and his labs are awesome. He’s an awesome guy, and being a captain in the Navy, he’s very strict on time, so he definitely kept me motivated and focused on what was important.”

Halter will attend Stanford University in California this fall, studying biology and chemistry. She plans to pursue a career in the medical field. 

She knows that many young people face numerous challenges.

“Be confident,” Halter said. “During the Angels program, I had to meet a lot of people who are going through the hardest time of their life, having cancer and trying to figure that out … I was very intimidated at first, and I didn’t know how to relate to them, but just being confident … trying to talk to them and being outgoing with them is definitely what helped me. It’s the most meaningful experience for me because both of my grandmas passed away from breast cancer when I was young, and so I felt connected to them in that way.”

On May 19, Mount St. Mary Academy held its graduation at Robinson Center in downtown Little Rock, with Bridgitte Williams Newson, a 1985 alumna, entrepreneur and executive assistant to Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., serving as the commencement speaker. Co-valedictorians were Mary Claire Lasseter and Eva Pownall. The salutatorian was Ann Marie Nguyen, daughter of Drs. Angela Nutt-Nguyen and Duong Nguyen. She is attending Georgia Institute of Technology to study astrophysics.

Other graduates were:

Natalie Kien Achua

Caroline Jolie Albahsous

Elizabeth Rose Anderson

Annabelle Maria Angtuaco

Presley Ann Bailey

Isabella Ann Marie Baker

Madison October Barrera

Olivia Ann Bean

Addison Faith Benedetti

Fiona Marie Bonner

Macy Emmerson Boswell

Kylie Yen Bui

Kylie Kathleen Byrne

Jordan Alyse Cadorette

Caroline Olivia Cash

Danielle Elaine Chenault

Cassie Dawn Clark

Mary Porter Clark

Riley Rene Comstock

Bella Cate Craiglow

Isabela Crane

Ella Elizabeth Crowder

Lauren Grace Daughenbaugh

Sofia Rose Davis

Isabel Rose Duch

Samantha Hope Emmerling

Laura Grace Files

Mary Kate Finch

Jessica Clair Finnegan

Rhea Lynn Fitts

Auriana Marie Gibbons

Elizabeth Marie Gipson

Isabella Fern Gizzo

Sheyla Alejandra Green

Claire Alyssa Gustafson

Elizabeth Nicole Guzman

Ava Alexis Hadfield

Lauren Renee Halter

Ava Claire Hatfield

Emily Rose Heck

Azul Grace Hernandez-Mendez

Karla Jaquelyn Hernandez-Carvajal

Caira Novelle Hess

Hazel Grace Hestes

Kayla Marie Hill

Addison Julia Howard

Lillian Marie Hudson

Elvira Huerta-Silva

Addison McKenzie Hyde

Chloe Nicole Jacuzzi

Jordan Claire Jacuzzi

Abigail Lynn Jez

Aubrey James Johnson

Maya Noelle Johnson

Kennedy Grace Jordan

Sarah Elizabeth Kaelin

Sophia Mastrandrea Keeton

Emma Claire Koehler

Caroline Marie Krause

Allie Marie Kuhn

Chinotu Favor Kwelle

Susan Marie LePage

Lillian Grace Lewis

Amaria Christian Love

Emann Christian Love

Reese Elizabeth Lozada

Caroline Clay Malzewski

Mallory Ann Mansfield

Madeline Gale Mathiowetz

Anna Claire McConnell

Marietta Rose Mentgen

Maggie Leland Montgomery

Lindsey Carolyn Morris

Mollie Caroline Morris

Sydney Kathleen Morrow

Isabella Analeigh Nguyen

Olivia Rose Nony

Margaret Rebecca O’Dea

Samantha Nicole Olvey

Annabelle Lea Owen

Jocelyn Vanessa Padron Ventura

Emily Ann Pence

Rosa Elena Perez Leon

Lauren Henny Pfeifer

Ava Brooke Phillips

Vianca Nicole Pichardo

Emery Elizabeth Porter

Blakeley Catherine Potts

Emma Kathryn Pruss

Naldy Ramos Martinez

Madeline Taylor Reyes

Arianne Lucia Ricaurte

Caroline Elizabeth Riley

Natalie Marie Rivera Torres

Mary Kathryn Robertson

Hannah Marie Rockers

Isabella Gabriela Ruiz

Estella Ryan Singleton

Keyona Nikole Smith

Samantha Carly Smith

Halaina Vidrine Spruell

Chloe Jane Stratton

Anna Catherine Suffridge

Anne Tolise Tedford

Alexis Danielle Telford

Avery Elise Thomas

Sadie Ruth Townley

Mariana Trevino Martinez

Anna Claire Underwood

Lia Beatrice Ureta

Darlene Varela

Gideon Aruda Helen West

Margo Kathleen West

Hannah Marie Wherry

Harbor Claire Williams

Maggie Catherine Wimberley

Alexandria Ann Yacavone

Valedictorians 

Mary Claire Lasseter, 18

Parish: Christ the King

Parents: Mike and Jennifer Lasseter

College and major: University of Oklahoma; international business with a focus in Chinese and finance

What goals do you want to pursue after college? I would like to pursue a career in investment banking and raise a family one day. 

What is your proudest accomplishment to date? My proudest accomplishment is getting to be the co-valedictorian of my class. It is a goal I have had for four years, which took a lot of hard work and late nights studying.

How will your faith be a part of your future? I look forward to continuing my faith at a Catholic Church on my campus. I hope to grow as a Catholic and find a community that has a similar goal.

Scholarships: University of Oklahoma’s Award of Excellence and Pathfinder Award 

High school honors and awards: Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Club president, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, AP Scholar with Honor, Arkansas Governor’s Scholastic Honors Award

Eva Rose Pownall, 18

Parents: Cassie Pownall and Andrew Pownall

College and major: Texas Christian University, chemistry

What goals do you want to pursue after college? After college, I plan to attend medical school and hope to pursue a career in anesthesiology.

What is your proudest accomplishment to date? My proudest accomplishments are the art awards I have received. I love being able to pursue a hobby that I truly love while also having the blessing of earning awards for it.

Scholarships: TCU’s Dean’s Scholarship

High school honors and awards: Arkansas Young Artist Association first place in on-site competition and second place in oils, AP Scholar with Distinction, Arkansas Governor’s Scholastic Honors Award, Card Club founder and president, National Latin Exam Cum Laude certificate, National Honor Society

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

Emma Allison walked into Search #152, a Diocese of Little Rock youth retreat, filled with anger and sadness. 

“When I was younger, I thought when something bad happened to me, I was being punished by God. In talking with the youth, I feel like it’s a common thing,” the 18-year-old admitted. 

At the time, her brother was convicted for his participation in a shootout and was serving a prison sentence. Her 2-year-old nephew, Bryson, lived with them most days. 

At Search in 2023, the St. Joseph School senior in Conway took steps toward understanding God’s love. It didn’t mean the suffering ended — she soon dealt with the deaths of her great-grandfather and a best friend. But Allison continued forward in Christ, becoming involved in Search leadership, a member of the Youth Advisory Council and Catholic Youth Ministry at St. Joseph.  

“(At Search) I went to reconciliation with Father Jeff Hebert … and it was one of the best I’ve ever had in my life. He knew everything so personally, he could sit there and pray with me and really pinpoint what God was trying to tell me,” she said. “And then, after going to adoration and being in front of Jesus was such a moving and heartwarming moment. It was definitely like I could breathe and at least have a sense of relaxation because I was so tense and always on edge. It almost felt freeing.” 

Her foundation of faith began at home as a daughter to parents Chris and Jalisa Allison. 

“I would say my parents have always been great representatives of the faith,” she said. “My dad converted in 2012, and my mom has been the rock in my faith. She’s always been strong in her faith and seeing her be joyful because of her relationship with the Lord always made me curious about it.” 

Allison, who earned a 4.16 GPA, attended public school until her freshman year at St. Joseph. She was involved in bowling, soccer, Interact Club, vice president of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and senior class secretary. Allison earned Most Improved Player and Most Valuable Player for bowling at the senior awards ceremony. 

“I put a lot of effort into practicing and trying to correct my form and listening to all the tips my coach gave me,” she said, making time for extra practice each month. 

She said she loves helping friends and others get more involved in their faith.

“A lot of kids nowadays don’t find it fun to talk about their faith. Being an example of living the faith and going to youth ministry is fun and glorifies the Lord,” she said. “… I want to be that person to somebody that my youth ministers were to me.” 

Allison will attend the University of Dallas and double major in Spanish and theology. She hopes to work as a youth minister in Arkansas and eventually as the diocesan youth ministry director.

“Switching from public school to a Catholic private school was tremendously impactful because I got to actually talk about my faith and was never looked down upon for being Catholic,” she said. “I just automatically clicked, and it was a family at St. Joseph.”