St. Thomas of Villanova presents graduation diplomas to 306 students
- Fred Groves
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
From Daniyal Ahmed to Jiahe Zou.
One-by-one in alphabetical order, the 306 graduates of St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School made their way on stage to accept the reward for four years of work, their diplomas.
Held last Wednesday at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, it was a chance to be acknowledged for their accomplishments and for the last time, be together.
“To the Class of 2025, thank you for coming together over the past four years and making an incredible community,” said Cara Charette, who gave the salutatory address.
Hundreds of family members and friends attended the school’s 35th annual ceremony and many of the graduates, when they came in and took their seats, were wearing not only the blue cap and gown but either a gold or silver chord.
The gold signified four consecutive years on the honour roll and the silver was given to those who accumulated over 100 hours of community service.
Speaking to her fellow graduates, Charette said, “you have been an inspiration and I know you will inspire others around you.”
Several scholarships along with community sponsored awards and bursaries were handed out and perhaps the most prestigious, the Governor General’s Award which went to Adalyn Matteis.
“It has been awarded since 1873 and it is the most prestigious award a student can receive,” said science teacher Jenna Hunt who was the night’s Master of Ceremonies.
Prior to handing out the awards and the diplomas Father Matt Kucharski, in giving a blessing said, “we thank you for the friendships that were formed here.”
Principal Dr. Danielle Desjardins along with vice-principals Dante Di Ponio and David Petro helped give out the awards and Superintendent Rosemary Lo Faso brought congratulations from the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.
Kaden Meloche, Zoe Bishop and Erica Gignac were recipients of the Principal’s Award, Alannah Dejong won the Spirit of Perseverance Award.
Villanova’s 2025 Valedictorian was Celeste Deschamps.
“High school is a time for learning, playing and discovering,” said Lo Faso.
She added that students focused on relationships and accomplishments and thanked their parents for providing four years of Catholic education.
Recently announced, Villanova’s Evan Odrich was one of just eight high school students across the province to be awarded the $5,000 bursary from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association – Dairy Farmers of Ontario.
He accumulated over 500 community service hours, was a hockey player and a referee, and a member of the school’s World Champion Robotics Team.
St. Thomas of Villanova presents graduation diplomas to 306 students
By Fred Groves
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