MORE THAN AN EDUCATION; CLOSING A CHAPTER

SALUTE TO GRADS: Valedictorian and Salutatorian speeches from Catholic Central School

Jeremy Climaco, Valedictorian, and Madelynn McDade, Salutatorian, for Catholic Central School Class of 2026.

More than an education

Today is a day we have looked forward to for years. It is a day filled with celebration, gratitude, excitement and perhaps a little uncertainty about what lies ahead. But above all, it is a day that marks a significant milestone in our lives.

As we sit here together, dressed in our graduation-wear, it is easy to focus on the diploma we are about to receive. Yet today is about much more than a piece of paper. It is about the journey that brought us here — the challenges we faced, the lessons we learned, the friendships we formed and the faith that carried us through.

Each one of us arrived at Catholic Central with different dreams, talents and experiences. Some of us knew exactly where we wanted to go, while others were still searching for our path. Along the way, we experienced successes that made us proud and setbacks that tested our resilience. We faced difficult exams, long nights of studying, moments of doubt and obstacles we never expected. Yet through it all, we persevered.

What makes this moment special is not that we all followed the same path, but that we traveled this journey together. We encouraged one another, learned from one another and grew alongside one another. The memories we created — in classrooms, hallways, sporting events, retreats, performances and everyday conversations — will remain with us long after we leave these halls.

Catholic Central has given us more than an education. It has challenged us to become people of integrity, compassion, service and faith. We have been taught that success is not measured solely by achievements, awards or recognition. True success is found in the way we treat others, the values we uphold and the impact we make in the lives of those around us.

Our faith has been an important part of that lesson. We have been reminded that God has a purpose for each of us and that our worth is not determined by our accomplishments but by who we are as children of God. In moments of uncertainty, we learned to trust. In moments of difficulty, we learned to persevere. And in moments of joy, we learned to be grateful.

As we prepare to begin the next chapter of our lives, whether that means attending college, entering the workforce, serving our communities, joining the military or pursuing other opportunities, we will face new challenges and new responsibilities. We will not always have the answers. There will be times when the road ahead seems unclear.

But as we move forward, let us remember what we have learned here. Let us lead with integrity when it is easier to compromise. Let us choose kindness when the world feels divided. Let us work hard when success requires sacrifice. And let us keep our faith strong when circumstances test our confidence.

I encourage each member of the Class of 2026 to dream boldly and pursue those dreams with courage. Do not be afraid of failure, because failure often teaches us more than success ever could. Do not be afraid of change, because growth requires us to step beyond our comfort zones. And do not underestimate the difference one person can make when guided by purpose, determination and faith.

To our teachers, administrators, coaches and staff, thank you for your dedication, patience and belief in us. You challenged us to think critically, pushed us to reach higher and supported us through both triumphs and struggles. Your influence has helped shape the people we are becoming.

To our parents, families and loved ones, thank you for every sacrifice you made on our behalf. Thank you for your encouragement during difficult times, your support when we needed it most and your unwavering belief in our potential. We would not be here without you.

And finally, to my fellow graduates: be proud of how far you have come. Celebrate this accomplishment, but remember that this is not the finish line — it is the starting point of a new journey. The future will be shaped not by a single moment, but by the choices we make every day.

As we leave Catholic Central, may we carry with us the values that have guided us, the friendships that have strengthened us, and the faith that has sustained us. May we have the courage to pursue our purpose, the wisdom to serve others and the humility to recognize God’s hand in our lives.

Class of 2026, be confident in where you are going, grateful for where you have been and hopeful for all that lies ahead.

Congratulations and may God bless each of you on the journey ahead.

Jeremy Climaco, Valedictorian for Catholic Central School Class of 2026

Closing a chapter

When I first started writing this speech, I honestly had no idea where to begin. After spending five years at this school, it felt impossible to fit all the memories, lessons and friendships into just a few minutes. I kept starting over, deleting everything and trying again. At one point, I found myself wishing my sister was here to help me finish it. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be here, so if you happen to hear a grammar mistake or two, please be kind and pretend you don’t notice.

Surprisingly enough, I wasn’t ready for how fast everything went. It really feels like I’m still just an eighth grader who found out her school was moving locations. Crazy to think that was five years ago. Five years I would never change and five years I will remember forever.

When I first came to Catholic Central, graduation felt so far away. Like most students, I thought I had plenty of time. Plenty of time to make memories, plenty of time to figure out who I was and plenty of time before I would have to say goodbye. Looking back now, I realize just how quickly those years passed. Somewhere between classes, sporting events, school dances, lunch periods and ordinary school days, time quietly moved forward.

Our class has experienced something unique — we are the last graduating class of  Catholic Central. If someone had told me as a freshman that I would one day be standing up here as part of the final graduating class, I never would have believed them. It’s a strange feeling knowing that we are closing a chapter that has been part of so many lives before us. Long after tonight, people will remember this class as the one that finished the story.

When I first walked into this school, I was worried about whether I’d make friends. Standing here today giving this speech, it’s funny to look back and realize that some of the people I was worried about meeting became some of the most important people in my life.

For me, some of the most important people are my friends — the “Core Four” — according to Mrs. Ginny. I’m not sure they realize just how much they mean to me. This year especially, we made it our goal to enjoy every moment we had left together. Looking back, I can honestly say they helped make this year the most memorable year of my life.

Some of my favorite memories aren’t the big moments people usually remember. They’re the little moments — the conversations in the hallway, laughing until we couldn’t breathe, sitting together during lunch or simply knowing that no matter what kind of day I was having, I had people beside me. I’ll never forget the days when we spent an entire lunch period laughing about something that probably wasn’t even funny, or the countless times we promised ourselves we would focus on what we were supposed to be doing and somehow ended up talking instead. Somehow those ordinary moments became the memories I know I’ll carry with me long after graduation. Those are the moments that made this place feel like home.

While I am standing here today giving this speech, I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am without the people who stood beside me. Their friendship made difficult days easier, good days better and unforgettable days even more meaningful. For that, I will always be grateful.

Of course, friendships are not the only thing that shaped us. Over the years, we have all faced challenges. We’ve had difficult classes, stressful exams, deadlines we thought we would never meet and moments where we questioned ourselves. Yet every challenge taught us something. We learned resilience. We learned responsibility. Most importantly, we learned that we are capable of more than we often give ourselves credit for.

I also want to take a moment to thank our teachers, faculty and staff. They did much more than teach lessons from a textbook. They encouraged us when we doubted ourselves, pushed us to do better and helped us become the people we are today. I think we can all remember a teacher who stayed after class to answer one more question, offered extra help before a test or reminded us not to give up when we were struggling. Sometimes all it took was one person believing in us before we believed in ourselves. Whether they realized it or not, those moments made a difference, and they left an impact on each of our lives.

To our families, thank you for the countless sacrifices you made to help us reach this day. Thank you for the early mornings, the late nights, the rides to school events, the encouragement and the support you gave us even when things weren’t easy. For many of us, that meant parents waking up before sunrise to get us to school, sitting through games in the cold, helping us study for tests and listening to us complain about homework more times than they probably wanted to. Through every success, setback and stressful moment, you were there for us. We would not be here without you.

As we look back on these past five years, I hope we remember more than just the grades, the tests, or the achievements. I hope we remember the people who sat beside us, the moments that made us laugh and the memories that turned this school into something more than just a building. Those are the things that stay with us long after graduation.

My hope for the Class of 2026 is that we never stop believing in ourselves. I hope we continue to take chances, pursue our goals and embrace the opportunities ahead of us. Most of all, I hope we remember where we came from and the people who helped us get here.

Although our paths may take us in different directions, we will always share the experience of being part of this school’s final graduating class. No matter where life takes us, that connection will always remain.

To my family, classmates, teachers and especially my best friends, thank you. Thank you for the laughter, the support and the memories that made these years unforgettable. I am incredibly lucky to have shared this journey with all of you.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Be proud of how far you’ve come, excited for where you’re going and never forget the memories that brought you here.

Madelynn McDade, Salutatorian for Catholic Central School Class of 2026