Graduating class of St. Thomas of Villanova celebrated

The national anthem was performed at St. Thomas of Villanova’s graduation by Claire Heynsbroek, Rhain Gooder, Jenna Ward, Any Persaud, Freja Erickson and Natalie Introcaso.

Jack Frias delivers the valedictory address to his fellow graduates as well as their parents, grandparents and other family members at the WFCU Centre in Windsor June 24.

The graduates of St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School were recognized and honoured last week.

Approximately 310 students received their diplomas last Wednesday night (June 24) at the school’s 36^th annual graduation ceremony. Held at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, the graduates were honoured by the school community and were cheered on as they approach what comes next in their lives.

Valedictorian Jack Frias said they all started from scratch four years ago. He said from the first day onward, they learned together how to live the high school experience.

Frias said it has been a lot of fun, but there have been challenges along the way including the last few weeks as graduating students have had to navigate getting ready for university or college as they finished high school.

They don’t quite know what comes next but Frias also encouraged his fellow graduates to live in the now and enjoy the moment. The future will have opportunities and challenges but Frias said there are plenty of people graduates can turn to.

“There are so many people around you that will help you if you need it,” said Frias. 

Frias expressed thanks for the last four years and encouraged the Class of 2026 to savour the moments they experienced together.

“I would not be standing here if not for all of you,” Frias told his fellow graduates, the staff and their families. 

Salutatorian Noah Deschamps paid tribute to their parents and teachers. He added the graduates showed resolve and growth as they navigated their high school years and made good memories.

Deschamps said it feels like yesterday that they were in Grade 9 just trying to figure things out. Their friendships, lessons learned and determination carried them through to the graduation.

Kelly Ann Bull, superintendent of education for student achievement with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB), brought greetings and congratulations.

“We are so excited to be here and celebrate with you,” Bull told the Class of 2026. 

Experiences the students gained over the past four years will be things they carry with them, she said, and she thanked families for trusting their children to be enrolled in Catholic education. Partnerships with families is important, she added.

Staff were also thanked for their work, and noted the students and staff lived up to their motto of “Excellence in Heart, Mind and Body.”

“Our world needs each and every one of you,” Bull said during the ceremony. “The world should be a better place because of you.”

Principal Danielle Desjardins said the graduation was the culmination of 13 years of dedication to schooling, dating back to when the students started elementary school. She said it is her wish that the lessons learned in Catholic education helped them believe in themselves and others.

Desjardins urged this year’s graduating class to “feel the energy of each other one last time” as she congratulated them for completing their high school experience and wished them well as they head into the future.

Graduating class of St. Thomas of Villanova celebrated

By Ron Giofu