Bishop LeBlond seniors celebrate end of high school

By Riley Funk

The Bishop LeBlond Class of 2024 walked the stage Friday evening, wrapping up their high school careers.

Families and friends gathered at Our Lady of Guadelupe for the ceremony, but first took part in the 64th Annual Baccalaureate Mass. Forty-three seniors were recognized for their achievement, and some received special honors.

Six students were honored as valedictorians: Jonathan Eckstein, Grace Pfister, Ireland Robertson, Madisyn Sego, Kaleigh Ziesel and Remington Zoubek.

Kayla Beam, Kyla Conard and Allison Welter were also recognized as salutatorians.

Some seniors are staying close to home after high school, with plans to attend Missouri Western State University, whereas others are flying to new states as far as Minnesota. For some Golden Eagles, they’re heading straight into the workforce.

But regardless of their next step, they’re holding onto lessons they’ve learned throughout their four years at Bishop LeBlond.

“I think we all really need to follow our passions so that we can know how we can change the world,” said Zoubek, one of the valedictorians who is attending the University of Notre Dame in the fall.

Graduate Carson Walsh said it’s important to hold onto what matters.

“Stay close with your friends … and definitely don’t take anything for granted,” he said.

Walsh has big plans for what he will do next. He will join the ranks of the military and become a member of the United States Marine Corps.