Congratulations to the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Class of 2011

VASJ Class of 2011 Salutatorian Laura Grudzinski and Valedictorian Timothy Frey

Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School held the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2011 on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at St. William Church in Euclid. The Commencement Speakers were Meaghan S. Clemons, Jonelle A. Evans and Robert J. Vollman.

“VASJ was more than just a high school for us; it was an extended family. The building was our home, the teachers were our secondary parents, and our classmates felt like siblings,” Vollman said during his speech to the class. “We all came from different backgrounds of race, religion, and heritage, but we would come together as one class. In the VASJ Family, nobody would have a problem fitting in with others.”

During her speech, Clemons spoke about the excitement and uncertainty that lies ahead for the graduates. “Though we will always remember our friends, teachers, administrators, and the school itself, we can not help but be curious, yet excited as to what the future holds for us,” Clemons said. “Some of us have decided to further our education in different states, but many of us have decided to stay close to home. Whenever and wherever our many different career paths may reunite us, the one thing we will ALWAYS have in common is we are Vikings!”

Of VASJ's graduates, 98% are enrolled in post-secondary education and as of May 25, 2011, 61% of the students have earned $3,284,400 in scholarships!

Some of the special awards given during the ceremony were:

Valedictorian, Timothy E. Frey

Salutatorian, Laura M. Grudzinski

Phi Beta Kappa, Rita M. Hidalgo

Outstanding Service to the Student Council,  Timothy E. Frey, President, Jonelle A. Evans and Andee E. Walker

Outstanding Service to the Senior Class, Melissa M. Erminio and Shayla M. Lang

Ohio High School Athletic Association Scholar Athlete Award, Timothy E. Frey and Rita M. Hidalgo

Ohio High School Athletic Association Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award, Shayla M. Lang and Chase P. Rutti

Ohio High School Athletic Association Courageous Student Award, Phillip R. Wellington

Perfect Attendance for Four Years, Julia J. Fowlkes

St. Angela Award, Sarah E. Rodgers

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Award, Robert J. Vollman

Emily Robinson is the Communications & Media Coordinator at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School.