In his homily to the graduates, Fr. Bob outlined the stages of this classes journey throughout Quigley Catholic.  As freshmen, they experienced "fear";  Sophomores:  "doubt";  Juniors: "overwhelmed";  and as seniors: "peace".  He reminded them that as with the apostles in the Upper Room, they cannot stay in the safety of Quigley Catholic.  That led by God, they will always be a part of each other's lives forever and that this day will be the last time this side of heaven that they will be together.  Yet, they are intertwined in each other's lives so that no matter where they go, they will always be connected.

Salutatorian Nathan Elia addressed the graduated with three simple words:   "We made it".  Remembering the times they faced adversity, the times they had successes, he declared that no one is a failure.  Reflecting how poet William McGonagall, who wrote the world's worst poem, spent his life moving forward toward his dream and not accepting the cards he was dealt, he reminded the graduates that they too must keep working toward their dreams.  Nathan said, "He was a great man not because of what he did, or who he was, but because he was who he was- always. There is greatness too in simply believing in, and being, yourself. And I think if there's one thing we always did, we were ourselves."

Valedictorian Shoshanna Hoover stood before her class to share with the audience how some of her personal role models would define "success".  Mrs. Philips  shared with her,   "If I can go to bed at night knowing that I have done my best even if I have fallen short of my goal or dream, I consider that day a success. If I live a lifetime of these days, working hard and doing my best, then my life has been a success".  Mrs. Miller maintained that success is "a life of peace and happiness that gives one a feeling of security in their choices".  Mrs Zak said success is "reaching a goal that you have set for yourself and being pleased with the results".  And Mrs. Hipfel recognized that "people can measure success in many aspects of their life, feels that success is happiness with a willingness to grow".   Shoshanna found three common threads which tie everyone's thoughts together:   self assessment, a sense of happiness, and a look and a push towards the future. 

The final address to the Class of 2017 was made by Principal Rita McCormick.  She thanked all who made the days celebration special.   She announced to the graduates that they are forever unique because they are the 50th graduating class of Quigley Catholic High School.    Mrs. McCormick shared with them that the future is unpredictable and that no one's course will be smooth: "you will stumble and fall - sometimes your stumbling block is a 'blessing in disguise'  that God has placed on your path".  However she is  also confident - that with the solid foundation of faith and educational support provided for to them by Quigley Catholic, and an unfailing trust in God, they will all be able to rise above any obstacle.   "Because God has blessed all so abundantly, it is your responsibility to use your gifts and talents to the best of your abilities. Each of you must work to become the best possible version of you. The task is not always easy - it is necessary - our world and our future depend on you".

Let us introduce to you Quigley Catholic's newest Alumni.  We asked the outgoing Senior class to answer one of three questions for us.  They were:

Their pictures and responses are below.