The following students have received the distinction valedictorian and salutatorian at their respective schools:
BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Valedictorian: The 2022 valedictorian for Benedictine College Preparatory School is Michael Morrisey. Michael has a 4.617 GPA. He is the current battalion commander, member of the National Honor Society and the Honor Court, president of the Student Government Association and captain of the cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field teams. Michael will attend Notre Dame to pursue a degree in biology for a pre-med track.
Salutatorian: The 2022 salutatorian for Benedictine College Preparatory School is Kobi Onyiuke. Kobi has a 4.613 GPA. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Honor Court, president of the BCP Key Club and a member of the football and track and field teams. Kobi will attend Notre Dame, where he will continue his football career and pursue a degree in neuroscience in hopes of becoming a doctor.
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Josephine Mazzeo, a multiple time All Tidewater Conference selection in field hockey, cross country, track and field, and lacrosse, was a Virginia High School Sports Hall of Fame finalist and member of six honor societies. She plans to study chemistry and has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.
Salutatorian: Dean Paler, Executive Council vice president, Virginia Youth Climate Cooperative student ambassador, and Philippine Cultural Center volunteer, will attend the University of Virginia and study psychology.
The 103 members of the Class of 2022 earned over $8.6 million in scholarships and grants, including five military academy appointments and four ROTC scholarships. Students were accepted at colleges in 36 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Among the universities accepting CHS students are Dartmouth College; Georgia Tech; Villanova University; the United States Naval, Military and Air Force Academies; Vanderbilt University; Carnegie Mellon University; The Catholic University of America; the University of Virginia and William & Mary.
BLESSED SACRAMENT-HUGUENOT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Braelyn Lawhorn will attend Maryland Institute College of Art, where she will study either illustration or interactive media design. Braelyn has been a student at Blessed Sacrament for nine years. She was an important part of the drama organization as she acted in plays and participated in stage crew. She also was a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Club.
Salutatorian: Colin Hipps plans to attend Christopher Newport University, where he will be a part of CNU’s President’s Leadership Program. During his eight years at BSH, he enjoyed being a part of the school’s tightly knit community. Colin played basketball throughout middle and upper school and was a member of the varsity soccer team for his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was also a member of the Latin Club, the stage crew for the theater program, and the National Honor Society.
The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School’s class of 2022 includes 20 graduates who are fully prepared to be successful at the university level and in life. BSH graduates are confident, well-rounded, independent- minded individuals, ready to address the challenges of this generation.
PENINSULA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Lydia Hughes, graduating with a 4.83 GPA will be attending Eckerd College with plans to major in marine biology.
Salutatorian: Jessie Bailey, graduating with a 4.79 GPA, will attend the University of Virginia and major in biomedical engineering.
Both women earned the Parater Service Award and were chosen as American Citizenship Award recipients during their high school years.
Peninsula Catholic’s Class of 2022 is composed of 63 graduates who have earned an average GPA of 3.72 and completed more than 9,000 service hours over the past four years. As seniors, they have achieved 295 college acceptances and have been offered over $6.7 million in scholarship awards.
ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Clare O’Herron
Salutatorian: Jacob Foster
Roanoke Catholic School is proud to announce that the 2022 valedictorian is Clare O’Herron and salutatorian is Jacob Foster.
Clare and Jacob have been enrolled in the most rigorous college preparatory program available in our diocese and have achieved success at the highest levels. They have excelled athletically in a variety of sports. They are active members in our faith community and respected by our faculty and their fellow students. Clare is headed to the University of Dallas, and Jacob is headed to Hampden-Sydney College. Our Roanoke Catholic community celebrates these two seniors and all graduates across the diocese.
SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Anna Christian is a quiet leader and an active and insightful member of Saint Gertrude’s Class of Orange and White. Anna is a two-year co-president of Saint Gertrude Honor Council, vice president of GatorAides and president of the drama society, Stuart Avenue Players. A motivated student, an athlete on the varsity swim team and a cast member of drama productions, Anna is involved in all aspects of Saint Gertrude life. Anna will be attending the College of William & Mary.
Salutatorian: Mary Jane Erskin holds the top leadership position at Saint Gertrude as SCA president. Beginning each school day with morning announcements, Mary Jane is a unifying member of the Class of Orange and White. As a four-year varsity athlete, Mary Jane is captain of the tennis team and plays the number one spot. She is a leader on and off the court. She is a scholar with a rigorous and challenging academic schedule who will be attending the University of Virginia.
WALSINGHAM ACADEMY
Valedictorian: Julia Wilson has been a Walsingham student since fifth grade. She has been a leader in various campus organizations including Student Government Association, varsity girls’ basketball and volleyball, National Honor Society, Mercy Ministries Club and Trojan Ambassadors. She will attend Notre Dame to study neuroscience and mathematics.
Salutatorian: Alex Ambrose, a Walsingham “lifer,” has been with us since kindergarten. He has been a campus leader in varsity boys’ basketball, National Honor Society and the Math Modeling Team. Alex will attend the University of Virginia to study business.
Walsingham Academy will hold commencement exercises for 39 graduates in the Class of 2022 — our 75th graduating class — on Saturday, June 4.
